Animations

Sentinel-1: Radar vision

Satellites can see more than what we see with our eyes. Discover how the Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission uses its radar to monitor our planet from above independently of weather conditions providing a day-and-night supply of imagery of Earth’s surface to make our lives safer.

Sentinel-2: an introduction

The Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission is based on a constellation of two identical satellites in the same orbit.  They will provide detailed optical images of vegetation, soil and water cover, as well as coastal areas allowing scientists to investigate deforestation, food security and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Sentinel-3 for oceans

Copernicus Sentinel-3 provides crucial observations of our oceans, helping us to understand the overall health of our planet. Sentinel-3’s several instruments will measure sea surface height, land and sea surface temperature, and ocean colour.

Sea-level rise and Copernicus Sentinel-6

Copernicus Sentinel-6 carries a radar altimeter and a microwave radiometer allowing sea-surface height with greater precision than before. Since sea-level rise is a key indicator of climate change, accurately monitoring the changing height of the sea surface is essential for climate science and to understand our changing planet.

Saving lives when disasters strike

Satellite images can help with disaster relief and recovery anywhere in the world.  The International Charter Space and Major Disasters is a worldwide collaboration, through which satellite data are made available for the short-term disaster response and disaster recovery.

Helping to manage water

Water is Earth’s most precious resource. Due to over-exploitation and pollution water is under pressure. Satellites can collect information on water resources all over the planet helping for the sustainable management of this resource.