ESA Observing the Earth

Highlights from the Sentinel-6 launch

Relive key moments of the launch of the Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite. The spacecraft lifted off on 21 November on a Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, US.

The satellite will continue the long-term record of reference measurements, extending the record of sea-level height into a fourth decade. Orbiting at an altitude of over 1300 km and reaching 66°N and 66°S, Sentinel-6 provides measurements to map the height of the sea surface over 95% of the world’s ice-free oceans every 10 days.

While Sentinel-6 is one of the European Union’s family of Copernicus missions, its implementation is the result of a unique cooperation between the European Commission ESA, Eumetsat, NASA and NOAA, with contribution from the CNES French space agency.

Read more about the Copernicus Sentinel-6 mission.

Revisit the Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich launch

Watch the replay of the full Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich launch coverage. This new satellite lifted off on 21 November a Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, US.

Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich is the first of two identical satellites to provide critical measurements of sea-level change. This latest Copernicus satellite will continue the long-term record of reference measurements, extending the record of sea-level height into a fourth decade. The launch coverage includes the all-important liftoff and acquisition of signal as well as discussions with experts and partners in the mission, as well as data users. The Copernicus Sentinel-6 mission is a true example of international cooperation. While Sentinel-6 is one of the European Union’s family of Copernicus missions, its implementation is the result of the unique collaboration between ESA, NASA, Eumetsat and NOAA, with contribution from the French space agency CNES

New Copernicus satellite to monitor sea-level rise launched

The Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite has been launched into orbit around Earth on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Using the latest radar altimetry technology, this new satellite is set to  provide a new overview of ocean topography and advance the long-term record of sea-surface height measurements that began in 1992 – measurements that are essential for climate science, for policy-making and, ultimately, for protecting the lives of millions at risk of sea-level rise.

New Copernicus satellite to monitor sea-level rise launched

The Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite has been launched into orbit around Earth. Using the latest radar altimetry technology, this new satellite is set to provide a new overview of ocean topography and advance the long-term record of sea-surface height measurements that began in 1992 – measurements that are essential for climate science, for policy-making and, ultimately, for protecting the lives of millions at risk of sea-level rise.

New Copernicus satellite to monitor sea-level rise launched

The Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite has been launched into orbit around Earth. Using the latest radar altimetry technology, this new satellite is set to provide a new overview of ocean topography and advance the long-term record of sea-surface height measurements that began in 1992 – measurements that are essential for climate science, for policy-making and, ultimately, for protecting the lives of millions at risk of sea-level rise.

Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich liftoff replay

Watch the replay of Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich lifting off from the Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, US, on 21 November 2020. Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich is the first of two identical satellites to provide critical measurements of sea-level change. This latest Copernicus satellite will continue the long-term record of reference measurements, extending the record of sea-level height into a fourth decade. Mapping 95% of Earth’s ice-free ocean every 10 days, it will also provide crucial operational data for ocean forecasting.

The Copernicus Sentinel-6 mission is a true example of international cooperation. While Sentinel-6 is one of the European Union’s family of Copernicus missions, its implementation is the result of the unique collaboration between ESA, NASA, Eumetsat and NOAA, with contribution from the French space agency CNES.

Read more about the Copernicus Sentinel-6 mission.

Copernicus Sentinel-6 lifts off

Copernicus Sentinel-6 lifts off

Sea-level monitoring satellite in position for liftoff

With liftoff set for today at 17:17 GMT (18:17 CET, 09:17 PST), the Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite is poised for liftoff – atop a Falcon 9 rocket on the launch pad at the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, US.

Mission control ready for Sentinel liftoff

Team talk: 10 things about Copernicus Sentinel-6

On Saturday 21 November, the Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite will launch from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, US. Learn more about how the satellite will measure sea-surface height with greater precision than ever before through this series of soundbites from ESA experts and spokespeople.

Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

Earth from Space: Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

In this week's edition of the Earth from Space programme, Copernicus Sentinel-2 takes us over the Vandenberg Air Force Base, in California, US, where the Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite will soon launch from.
See also Vandenberg Air Force Base, California to download the image.

Learn about sea-level rise and Copernicus Sentinel-6

Learn how climate change is causing our seas to rise and how satellites have been measuring the height of the sea surface systematically since 1992. With global sea level now rising fast, Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich picks up the baton as the latest satellite mission to extend the legacy of sea-surface height measurements. Learn how it makes these critical measurements.

Watch live: Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich launch

Watch the launch of the Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich ocean-monitoring satellite on ESA Web TV on Saturday 21 November from 17:45 CET (08:45 PST).

Watch live: Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich launch

Watch the launch of the Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich ocean-monitoring satellite on ESA Web TV on Saturday 21 November from 17:45 CET (08:45 PST).

Vega flight VV17 failure: Arianespace and ESA appoint an independent Inquiry Commission

Press Release N° 23–2020

On Tuesday 17 November, Arianespace announced the loss of the Vega VV17 mission, carrying two payloads: SEOSAT-Ingenio for ESA and TARANIS for the French space agency, CNES.

Vega flight VV17 SEOSAT-Ingenio / TARANIS mission failure

Watch live: Launch of the next Earth-observing satellite SEOSAT-Ingenio

Watch the launch of SEOSAT-Ingenio, the Spanish high-resolution land imaging mission, on ESA Web TV on Tuesday 17 November from 02:30 CET (16 November 22:30 local time in Kourou).

Watch live: Launch of the next Earth-observing satellite SEOSAT-Ingenio

Watch the launch of SEOSAT-Ingenio, the Spanish high-resolution land imaging mission, on ESA Web TV on Tuesday 17 November from 02:30 CET (16 November 22:30 local time in Kourou).

Watch live: Launch of the next Earth-observing satellite SEOSAT-Ingenio

Update: Trajectory degraded on VV17 after first ignition of the Avum engine. Investigations on the anomaly ongoing. More to come shortly.

Watch the launch of SEOSAT-Ingenio, the Spanish high-resolution land imaging mission, on ESA Web TV on Tuesday 17 November from 02:30 CET (16 November 22:30 local time in Kourou).

Contracts signed for three high-priority environmental missions

Today, ESA signed contracts with Thales Alenia Space in France and in Italy, and Airbus in Spain to build three of the new high-priority Copernicus satellite missions: CHIME, CIMR and LSTM, respectively. Each mission is set to help address different major environmental challenges such as sustainable agriculture management, food security, the monitoring of polar ice supporting the EU Integrated Policy for the Arctic, and all will be used to understand climate change.

Preparing to fly an Earth-observing genius

Teams at ESA's mission control centre are getting ready to ensure a new Earth observation mission safely begins its life in space. The SEOSAT-Ingenio mission will provide high-resolution images of Earth’s surface, providing crucial data to better understand our environment and for land, water and risk management and security.

Darmstadt, Germany

Earth from Space: Darmstadt

In this week's edition of the Earth from Space programme, the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission takes us over Darmstadt, Germany, home to ESA’s European Space Operations Centre,  
See also Darmstadt, Germany to download the image.

SEOSAT-Ingenio hoisted into launch tower

Ahead of its liftoff, scheduled for on Tuesday 17 November 2020 at 02:52 CET (16 November 22:52 local time in Kourou), the SEOSAT-Ingenio satellite sealed in the rocket fairing has been hoisted into the Vega launch tower at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

SEOSAT-Ingenio hoisted into launch tower

Ahead of its liftoff, scheduled on Tuesday 17 November 2020 at 02:52 CET (16 November 22:52 local time in Kourou), the SEOSAT-Ingenio satellite sealed in the rocket fairing has been hoisted into the Vega launch tower at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

Sentinel data enables new system for agricultural monitoring in Poland

Data from the Copernicus Sentinel satellites are enabling the national monitoring of agricultural activity in Poland – a colossal task that will support the efforts of key national agencies to assess a country’s cropland, productivity, and food security, as well as the implementation of the EU Common Agricultural Policy in years to come.

Coastal observations boosted by new reference satellite

As global temperatures continue to rise, coastal areas will increasingly bear the brunt of storm surges and more frequent, intense weather events. Sea level is rising at 3.6 centimetres per decade and this trend is accelerating, compounding the threats faced by coastal communities: with every centimetre another three million people are put at risk of annual coastal flooding. Scheduled to be launched on 21 November, the Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite is set to continue the long-term record of sea-level measurements that are needed for protect our coasts.

Copernicus Sentinel-6 ready for launch

Final preparations are underway in California for the launch of Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, a joint European and US satellite designed to take precise measurements of sea-level change. The satellite forms part of the European Union’s Copernicus Earth Observation programme and will employ a radar altimeter to map sea-surface topography. The satellite will provide fundamental data for climate science and policymaking, helping to protect the 600 million people who live in vulnerable coastal areas. It will also deliver near-realtime information for marine and weather forecasts.

The mission is a collaboration between ESA, the European Commission, EUMETSAT, NASA and NOAA, with support from the French space agency CNES. Scheduled for launch on 21 November on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Air Force Base on the California coast, the satellite is named Michael Freilich after NASA’s former Director of Earth Science.

A-roll contains clean room images from Vandenberg and new interviews. B-roll includes clean room, nearby coast and soundbites in English, French and German.

Giant berg on collision course with South Georgia

SEOSAT-Ingenio sealed from view

As preparations for the launch of SEOSAT-Ingenio continue on schedule, the team at Europe’s spaceport in Kourou have bid farewell to the satellite as it was sealed inside the rocket fairing over the weekend. The spacecraft is currently scheduled to launch on the evening of Monday 16 November/morning of Tuesday 17 November.

SEOSAT-Ingenio sealed from view

As preparations for the launch of SEOSAT-Ingenio continue on schedule, the team at Europe’s spaceport in Kourou have bid farewell to the satellite as it was sealed inside the rocket fairing. The spacecraft is currently scheduled to launch on the evening of Monday 16 November/morning of Tuesday 17 November.

Detecting pollution from individual ships from space

For the first time, scientists, using data from the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite, are now able to detect nitrogen dioxide plumes from individual ships from space.

Copernicus Sentinel-6 sealed in rocket fairing

As preparations for the launch of Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich continue, the team at the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California has bid farewell to the satellite as it is sealed from view within the two half-shells of its Falcon 9 rocket fairing. Liftoff is now set for 21 November at 17:17 GMT (18:17 CET; 09:17 PST).

Crete, Greece

Earth from Space: Crete

In this week's edition of the Earth from Space programme, the Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission takes us over Crete, Greece’s largest and most populous island.
See also Crete, Greece to download the image.

Elévation du niveau de la mer et Copernicus Sentinel-6

En amont du lancement imminent du satellite Copernicus EU Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, rejoignez nos experts pour une discussion en direct à propos de la technologie spatiale qui mesure l’élévation du niveau de la mer et de la manière dont elle contribue à notre compréhension du changement climatique à l’échelle mondiale. Non seulement le niveau de la mer s’élève ces dernières années, mais il s’élève à un rythme qui s‘accélère, mettant en danger les communautés côtières et de nombreuses mégalopoles. Cette discussion, 3 novembre 16:00 CET, sera modérée par Yves-Louis Desnos de l’ESA, avec à ses côtés Marie-Hélène Rio, scientifique des applications océaniques à l’ESA, Benoit Meyssignac, scientifique spécialiste des océans et du climat au CNES et au LEGOS, Marion Semblat, présidente de l’association Time for the Ocean, Jean-Christophe Gros, responsable de programme, European Commission, et Estelle Obligis, responsable des applications marines à EUMETSAT.

Germany land motion mapped

Tiny shifts in the land surface across the whole of Germany have been mapped for the first time, with the help of the Copernicus Sentinel-1 radar mission.

ESA awards contract to Airbus UK for TRUTHS predevelopment

ESA and Airbus UK have signed a contract for the TRUTHS satellite mission. Under the contract, Airbus UK will lead the ‘system feasibility and predevelopment’ phase of this new mission. When launched this new mission will establish a climate and calibration observing system to improve confidence in climate-change forecasts.

Sea-level rise and Copernicus Sentinel-6

Ahead of the impending launch of the Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite, join us for live discussions in English, French, German and Italian on the spaceborne technology that measures sea-level rise and how this contributes to our understanding of global climate change. Sea levels have not only been rising over the last years, but accelerating, putting coastal communities and multiple megacities at risk. Sentinel-6 will soon be launched to map, measure and monitor exactly this, so we can understand and mitigate its consequences.

Director, Writer & Producer: Marc Bauder

Production: bauderfilm in coproduction with Hessischen Rundfunk, Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg, Südwestrundfunk und arte sowie Hanfgarn& Ufer

Protagonists: Alexander Gerst, Dennis Snower, Matthieu Ricard, Sylvia Earle, Felwine Sarr, Janina Loh

Distributor: X Verleih, Berlin

Sea-level rise and Copernicus Sentinel-6

Ahead of the impending launch of the Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite, join us for live discussions in English, French, German and Italian on the spaceborne technology that measures sea-level rise and how this contributes to our understanding of global climate change. Sea levels have not only been rising over the last years, but accelerating, putting coastal communities and multiple megacities at risk. Sentinel-6 will soon be launched to map, measure and monitor exactly this, so we can understand and mitigate its consequences.

"Starman" - A documentary by Gianluca Cerasola, Morol Srl
"Who we were" - Director, Writer & Producer: Marc Bauder
Production: bauderfilm in coproduction with Hessischen Rundfunk, Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg, Südwestrundfunk und arte sowie Hanfgarn& Ufer
Protagonists: Alexander Gerst, Dennis Snower, Matthieu Ricard, Sylvia Earle, Felwine Sarr, Janina Loh
Distributor: X Verleih, Berlin

Replay: discussing sea-level rise and Sentinel-6

Ahead of the impending launch of the Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite, join us for live discussions in English, French, German and Italian on the spaceborne technology that measures sea-level rise and how this contributes to our understanding of global climate change. Sea levels have not only been rising over the last years, but accelerating, putting coastal communities and multiple megacities at risk. Sentinel-6 will soon be launched to map, measure and monitor exactly this, so we can understand and mitigate its consequences.

"Starman" - A documentary by Gianluca Cerasola, Morol Srl
"Who we were" - Director, Writer & Producer: Marc Bauder
Production: bauderfilm in coproduction with Hessischen Rundfunk, Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg, Südwestrundfunk und arte sowie Hanfgarn& Ufer
Protagonists: Alexander Gerst, Dennis Snower, Matthieu Ricard, Sylvia Earle, Felwine Sarr, Janina Loh
Distributor: X Verleih, Berlin

Follow live discussions: Sea-level rise and Sentinel-6

Ahead of the impending launch of the Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite, join us for a live discussion on the spaceborne technology that measures sea-level rise and how this contributes to our understanding of global climate change.

Breaking the ice at European Polar Science Week

The polar regions have experienced the most rapid rates of warming in recent years. Expected consequences due to this warming include the loss of sea ice, threats to wildlife, increased emissions and extreme weather. In response to this, ESA and the European Commission have come together to organise the first-ever European Polar Science Week dedicated to discussing how Earth observation can be utilised to monitor and protect this fragile environment.

Gateway to Hell: Batagaika Crater

Earth from Space: Republic of Maldives

In this week's edition of the Earth from Space programme, all 1200 islands that make up the Republic of Maldives are featured in a spectacular image captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-3 mission.

See also Republic of Maldives to download the image.

Copernicus Sentinel-6 measuring sea levels using radar altimetry

This November the newest member of the EU’s Copernicus programme, Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, will take to the heavens from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The satellite is named after NASA’s former Director of Earth Observation and is a radar altimetry mission to monitor sea level rise, wave-height and windspeed.

The mission is a collaboration between ESA, the European Commission, EUMETSAT, NASA and NOAA, with support from the French space agency CNES. It will continue a three-decade-long time-series of radar altimetry missions that started with the Topex-Poseidon mission and was then followed by the Jason missions.

Republic of Maldives

Copernicus Sentinel-6 measuring sea-levels using radar altimetry

This November the newest member of the EU’s Copernicus programme, Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, will take to the heavens from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The satellite is named after NASA’s former Director of Earth Observation and is a radar altimetry mission to monitor sea-level rise, wave-height and windspeed.

The mission is a collaboration between ESA, the European Commission, EUMETSAT, NASA and NOAA, with support from the French space agency CNES. It will continue a three-decade-long time-series of radar altimetry missions that started with the Topex-Poseidon mission and was then followed by the Jason missions.

Spinning and moving Sentinel-6 prior to fuelling

In preparation for liftoff on 10 November, the Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite has been fuelled. The video shows the satellite being spun around on its frame and then moved out of the cleanroom. The satellite was subsequently fuelled. Everything went very smoothly, with the team completing this somewhat hazardous task in just one day. The fuelling team followed up to check that there were no leaks and then sealed the fill and drain valves.

The next task is to join the satellite to the launch adapter before it is finally encapsulated in the Falcon 9 rocket fairing. Liftoff from the Vandenberg Air Force base in California has been confirmed for 19:29:39 GMT (20:29:39 CET) on 10 November.

Once safely in orbit, Copernicus Sentinel-6 will continue the long-term record of reference sea-surface height measurements that were started in 1992 by the French–US Topex Poseidon satellite and then by the Jason series of satellite missions. The mission comprises two identical satellites launched five years apart. Firstly, Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich launching in few weeks, and then Copernicus Sentinel-6B in 2025 to supply measurements until at least 2030.

Since sea-level rise is a key indicator of climate change, accurately monitoring the changing height of the sea surface over decades is essential for climate science, for policy-making and, ultimately, for protecting those in low-lying regions at risk.

The Copernicus Sentinel-6 mission is a true example of international cooperation. While Sentinel-6 is one of the European Union’s family of Copernicus missions, its implementation is the result of the unique collaboration between ESA, NASA, Eumetsat and NOAA, with contribution from the French space agency CNES.

Credits: NASA

Preparing for Sentinel-6's challenging early days

Teams at ESA's mission control centre are getting ready to ensure a new Sentinel Earth Observation mission safely arrives in its correct orbit, from where it will map, measure and monitor rising sea levels after its launch on 10 November.

Earth from Space: Ganges Delta

In this week's edition of the Earth from Space programme, we explore the Ganges Delta – the world’s largest river delta - with Copernicus Sentinel-3.

See also Ganges Delta to download the image.

Ganges Delta

SEOSAT-Ingenio: fully loaded

Preparations are well on track for the upcoming launch of SEOSAT-Ingenio – the Spanish high-resolution land imaging mission – scheduled to launch from Europe’s spaceport in French Guiana next month.

SEOSAT-Ingenio: fully loaded

Preparations are well on track for the upcoming launch of SEOSAT-Ingenio – the Spanish high-resolution land imaging mission – scheduled to launch from Europe’s spaceport in French Guiana next month.

International Charter for disasters 20 years on

This week marks the 20th anniversary of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters. Founded by ESA, France’s CNES French Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency, the Charter has been activated 680 times (as of 19 October 2020) to help to respond to disasters in 126 countries, including the earthquake and tsunami in the Indian Ocean in 2004, the earthquake in Haiti in 2010, Typhoon Haiyan in the South East Asia in 2013, and the explosion in Lebanon in 2020.

Space for climate

The scientific evidence of global climate change is irrefutable. The consequences of a warming climate are far-reaching – affecting fresh water resources, global food production, sea level and triggering an increase in extreme-weather events.

In order to tackle climate change, scientists and governments need reliable data in order to understand how our planet is changing. ESA is a world-leader in Earth observation and remains dedicated to developing cutting-edge spaceborne technology to further understand the planet, improve daily lives, support effect policy-making for a more sustainable future, and benefit businesses and the economy.

Learn more about ESA’s role in understanding climate change here.

Space for climate

The scientific evidence of global climate change is irrefutable. The consequences of a warming climate are far-reaching – affecting fresh water resources, global food production, sea level and triggering an increase in extreme-weather events.

In order to tackle climate change, scientists and governments need reliable data in order to understand how our planet is changing. ESA is a world-leader in Earth observation and remains dedicated to developing cutting-edge spaceborne technology to further understand the planet, improve daily lives, support effect policy-making for a more sustainable future, and benefit businesses and the economy.

Learn more about ESA’s role in understanding climate change here.

New website puts climate in your hands

Witness the changing planet through the eye of Earth-orbiting satellites with ‘Climate from Space,’ a new interactive website developed by ESA.

Antarctic ozone hole is one of the largest and deepest in recent years

Measurements from the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite show that this year’s ozone hole over the Antarctic is one of the largest and deepest in recent years. A detailed analyses from the German Aerospace Center indicates that the hole has now reached its maximum size.

Ramping up to launch sea-level charting satellite

With less than a month to go before a SpaceX Falcon 9 takes Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich into orbit to chart sea-level rise, preparations are forging ahead at the launch site.

Earth from Space: Zeeland, Netherlands

In this week's edition of the Earth from Space programme, the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission takes us over Zeeland – the westernmost province in the Netherlands.

See also Zeeland, Netherlands to download the image.

Zeeland, Netherlands

Call for Media: Upcoming Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite to map Earth’s oceans

Media representatives are invited to join an online press conference on Friday, 16 October, at 16:00 CEST (10:00 EDT) to discuss the November launch of the Copernicus Sentinel-6 ‘Michael Freilich’ ocean-monitoring satellite. Follow the briefing live on ESA Web TV.

Call for Media: Upcoming Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite to map Earth’s oceans

Media representatives are invited to join an online press conference on Friday, 16 October, at 16:00 CEST (10:00 EDT) to discuss the November launch of the Copernicus Sentinel-6 ‘Michael Freilich’ ocean-monitoring satellite. Follow the briefing live on ESA Web TV.

Global lake warming trend threatens freshwater species

Holding over 80% of Earth’s surface freshwater, lakes support and sustain communities across the planet. A new study uses satellite data to underline the vulnerability of these inland water bodies to climate change and warns of serious future consequences for many freshwater species worldwide.

Laguna San Rafael National Park, Chile

Earth from Space: Laguna San Rafael National Park, Chile

In this week's edition of the Earth from Space programme, we explore part of the Laguna San Rafael National Park, Chile, with Copernicus Sentinel-2.
See also Laguna San Rafael National Park, Chile to download the image.

ESA's Kiruna celebrates 30 years of space excellence

September 2020 - ESA's Kiruna ground station in northern Sweden celebrates 30 years of space excellence. Near the top of the world, at a latitude of almost 68° north and sited 38 kilometres east of Kiruna town, the Kiruna ground station has been operational for 30 years. Ideally positioned to support polar-orbiting missions, the station is a crucial gateway for much of the data enabling us to study our planet's oceans, water and atmosphere, forecast weather and understand the rapid advance of climate change. With its two sophisticated antennas, it also supports some of ESA’s scientific missions such as Integral and Cluster. The station is part of ESA’s Estrack network linking all Agency missions to the ESOC mission control centre in Darmstadt, Germany.

The Arctic: a delicate icy ecosystem

The Arctic is one of the most rapidly changing regions in the world. Diminishing sea ice, thawing permafrost and melting glaciers are all direct effects of rising global temperatures – driven by human-made emissions. Learn more about how satellites flying 800 km above our heads can help us monitor and understand the changes occurring in this remote region.

Earth from Space: New York City

In this week's edition of the Earth from Space programme, the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission takes us over New York City – the most populous city in the United States.
See also New York City to download the image.

New York City

Earth from Space: New York City

In this week's edition of the Earth from Space programme, the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission takes us over New York City – the most populous city in the United States.

See also New York City to download the image.

Monitoring trucks and trade from space

Earlier this year, ESA launched a contest asking the general public to submit ideas on how Earth observation data can help mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, one of the two  winning ideas is being officially released to the public via the ‘Rapid Action on COVID-19 with Earth Observation’ dashboard – a joint initiative from ESA and the European Commission. This citizen-contributed indicator involves an innovative solution for detecting and quantifying the number of trucks using imagery from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.

Monitoring trucks and trade from space

Earlier this year, ESA launched a contest asking the general public to submit ideas on how Earth observation data can help mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, one of the two  winning ideas is being officially released to the public via the ‘Rapid Action on COVID-19 with Earth Observation’ dashboard – a joint initiative from ESA and the European Commission. This citizen-contributed indicator involves an innovative solution for detecting and quantifying the number of trucks using imagery from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.

Relive Φ-week 2020

Replay the livestream of ESA’s ɸ-week, which brought together leading scientists and entrepreneurs from all over the world to discuss and brainstorm scientific and technological opportunities brought by the concept of Digital Twin Earth.

Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich: preparing for launch

A European satellite built to carry out precise measurements of sea level changes has arrived in California in preparation for launch. The Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite forms part of the European Union’s Copernicus Earth Observation programme and will employ radar to map sea surface topography. 

The mission will be used to monitor the height of the sea surface to understand long-term change. It will also measure wave height and wind speed. The satellite will provide fundamental data for climate science, policy-making and protecting the 600 million people who live in vulnerable coastal areas. 

Data are provided to Copernicus services in near-real time to improve marine and weather forecasts used by maritime and coastal communities.  

The mission is a collaboration between ESA, the European Commission, EUMETSAT, NASA and NOAA, with support from the French Space Agency CNES. 

It is named Michael Freilich after NASA’s former Director of Earth Science and is scheduled for launch on 10 November on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Air Force Base. 

This A-roll contains Copernicus Sentinel-2 images of the Maldives, new in-orbit animations and clean-room footage from testing in Germany.

Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich: preparing for launch

A European satellite built to carry out precise measurements of sea level changes has arrived in California in preparation for launch. The Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite forms part of the European Union’s Copernicus Earth Observation programme and will employ radar to map sea surface topography. 

The mission will be used to monitor the height of the sea surface to understand long-term change. It will also measure wave height and wind speed. The satellite will provide fundamental data for climate science, policy-making and protecting the 600 million people who live in vulnerable coastal areas. 

Data are provided to Copernicus services in near-real time to improve marine and weather forecasts used by maritime and coastal communities.  

The mission is a collaboration between ESA, the European Commission, EUMETSAT, NASA and NOAA, with support from the French Space Agency CNES. 

It is named Michael Freilich after NASA’s former Director of Earth Science and is scheduled for launch on 10 November on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Air Force Base. 

This A-roll contains Copernicus Sentinel-2 images of the Maldives, new in-orbit animations and clean-room footage from testing in Germany.

Worsening rifts and fractures spotted at two of Antarctica’s most important glaciers

Satellite imagery has revealed that two of the fastest-changing glaciers in Antarctica are fracturing and weakening faster than ever – the first step towards the glaciers disintegrating and causing sea levels to rise dramatically.

Digital Twin Earth, quantum computing and AI take centre stage at ESA’s Φ-week

ESA’s 2020 Φ-week event kicked off this morning with a series of stimulating speeches on Digital Twin Earth, updates on Φ-sat-1, which was successfully launched into orbit earlier this month, and an exciting new initiative involving quantum computing.

Watch Φ-week live

At 09:30 today, ESA’s third edition of the Φ-week event will commence. Φ-week 2020 will be fully digital and will highlight innovation in Earth observation and showcase the latest achievements in Earth observation science, technology and applications.

Watch Φ-week live

At 09:30 today, ESA’s third edition of the Φ-week event will commence. Φ-week 2020 will be fully digital and will highlight innovation in Earth observation and showcase the latest achievements in Earth observation science, technology and applications.

Copernicus sea-level satellite arrives safely in California

The launch of the Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite – designed to measure the height of the ocean – is getting tantalisingly close. The satellite has now safely touched down at the Vandenberg Air Force Base in central California, where mission teams are busily preparing the satellite for its upcoming journey. 

Earth from Space: Tarawa, Kiribati

In this week's edition of the Earth from Space programme, Copernicus Sentinel-2 takes us over the Tarawa Atoll in the Republic of Kiribati – a remote Pacific nation threatened by rising seas.

See also Tarawa, Kiribati to download the image.

Tarawa, Kiribati

SEOSAT-Ingenio arrives in French Guiana

After leaving the Airbus premises in Madrid on 24 September, the Spanish high-resolution land imaging mission, known as SEOSAT-Ingenio, has arrived safely at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, where it will be prepared for launch later this year.

Our seas are capturing more carbon than expected

Earth’s oceans help to slow global warming by absorbing carbon from our atmosphere – but fully observing this crucial process in the upper ocean and lower atmosphere is difficult, as measurements are taken not where it occurs, the sea surface, but several metres below. New research uses data from ESA, NASA and NOAA satellites to rectify this, and finds that far more carbon is absorbed by the oceans than previously thought.

SEOSAT-Ingenio soon to be launched

The Spanish high-resolution land imaging mission, known as SEOSAT-Ingenio, will soon be shipped from Airbus, in Madrid, to Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana - where it will be prepared for launch later this year on a Vega rocket. The Earth-observing satellite carries a state-of-the-art dual camera that can image Earth’s land with a resolution of 2.5 m. The mission will benefit society through numerous disciplines such as cartography, agriculture, forestry, urban development and water management.
With its capability to look sideways, it can access any point on Earth within three days, and will be used to help map natural disasters such as floods, wildfires and earthquakes – as well as help with one of humankind’s biggest challenges: understanding and responding to climate change. While SEOSAT–Ingenio is a Spanish national mission, it is the result of an international collaborative effort. The mission is funded by Spain’s Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI) of the Ministry of Science and Innovation, but developed by ESA in the context of the European Earth Observation Architecture.

Quifer app grabs top prize at 2020 Space App Camp

An app that combines satellite data, big data and artificial intelligence in order to monitor the use of water resources has won the top prize at this year’s Space App Camp.

Plans underway for new polar ice and snow topography mission

Monitoring the cryosphere is essential to fully assess, predict and adapt to climate variability and change. Given the importance of this fragile component of the Earth system, today ESA, along with Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space, have signed a contract to develop the Copernicus Polar Ice and Snow Topography Altimeter mission, known as CRISTAL.

US West Coast on fire

Over the past month, dozens of wildfires have burned vast swathes of land in California, Oregon and Washington State, killing more than 30 people and smothering the majority of the western United States in smoke. While photographs have circulated online showing the apocalyptic orange skies, satellites in orbit around Earth carry different instruments that can provide not only images, but a wealth of complementary information needed to monitor the blazes.

US West Coast on fire

Over the past month, dozens of wildfires have burned vast swathes of land in California, Oregon and Washington State, killing more than 30 people and smothering the majority of the western United States in smoke. While photographs have circulated online showing the apocalyptic orange skies, satellites in orbit around Earth carry different instruments that can provide not only images, but a wealth of complementary information needed to monitor the blazes.

Air pollution in a post-COVID-19 world

Air pollution is one of the biggest environmental problems of our time. According to a new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA), air pollution now accounts for one in eight deaths in Europe. Observations from the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite have been vital in tracking the evolution of air pollution, specifically nitrogen dioxide concentrations, across Europe.

Air pollution in a post-COVID-19 world

Air pollution is one of the biggest environmental problems of our time. According to a new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA), air pollution now contributes to one in eight deaths in Europe. Observations from the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite have been vital in tracking the evolution of air pollution, specifically nitrogen dioxide concentrations, across Europe.

Earth from Space: Vatnajökull

In this week's edition of the Earth from Space programme, the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission takes us over the Vatnajökull ice cap, in southeast Iceland.

See also Vatnajökull, Iceland to download the image.

Vatnajökull, Iceland

Medicane Ianos

High-resolution methane emissions data for waste management

Copernicus Sentinel-5P’s high revisit rate combined with GHGSat’s high-resolution commercial imagery can give landfill operators and regulators the information they need to reduce methane emissions from landfill sites.

Satellite data help climbers ascend Mount Everest

Providing the facts to help Europe achieve 55%

Today, at her State of the Union address before the European Parliament, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, proposed a new target of a 55% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. The current target is a 40% reduction. With such ambitious goals ahead for Europe, understanding how greenhouse gases end up in the atmosphere and the intricacies of the carbon cycle is essential – something that satellites observing Earth can help provide.

Spalte breaks up

West coast wildfires

Amazon River

Earth from Space: Amazon River

This week's edition of Earth from Space features a Copernicus Sentinel-1 image of the Amazon River meandering through one of the most vital ecosystems in the world – the Amazon rainforest in South America.

See also Amazon River to download the image.

MOSAiC Arctic expedition reaches North Pole

On 19 August 2020, the world’s largest and longest polar research expedition – known as MOSAiC – reached the North Pole after making an unplanned detour owing to lighter-than-usual sea ice conditions. The expedition is now entering its final stage, during which researchers will study the last piece of the Arctic puzzle: the growth of new sea ice marking the end of the summer season.

Ice sheet melt on track with ‘worst-case climate scenario’

A recent report confirms that ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, whose mass-loss rates have been rapidly increasing, are matching the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's worst-case sea-level rise scenarios.

Ice sheet melt on track with ‘worst-case climate scenario’

A recent report confirms that ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, whose mass-loss rates have been rapidly increasing, are matching the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's worst-case sea-level rise scenarios.

Register for ESA’s Φ-Week event

Next artificial intelligence mission selected

Following yesterday’s successful launch of ɸ-sat-1 – Europe’s first artificial intelligence Earth observation mission – plans are already underway for the next innovative state-of-the-art technology, ɸ-sat-2.

Next artificial intelligence mission selected

Following yesterday’s successful launch of ɸ-sat-1 – Europe’s first artificial intelligence Earth observation mission – plans are already underway for the next innovative state-of-the-art technology, ɸ-sat-2.

Earth from Space: Gulf of Kutch

In this week's edition of the Earth from Space programme, the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission takes us over the Gulf of Kutch, an inlet of the Arabian Sea, along the west coast of India.
See also Gulf of Kutch, India to upload the image.

Gulf of Kutch, India

Earth from Space: Gulf of Kutch

In this week's edition of the Earth from Space programme, the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission takes us over the Gulf of Kutch, an inlet of the Arabian Sea, along the west coast of India.

See also Gulf of Kutch, India to upload the image.

Vega return to flight proves new rideshare service

The first flight of Vega’s rideshare service using the Small Spacecraft Mission Service (SSMS) dispenser for light satellites, launched from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana at 02:51 BST / 03:51 CEST on 3 September (22:51 local time on 2 September).

Vega return to flight proves new rideshare service

The first flight of Vega’s rideshare service using the Small Spacecraft Mission Service (SSMS) dispenser for light satellites, launched from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana at 02:51 BST / 03:51 CEST on 3 September (22:51 local time on 2 September).

Vega lifts off

On 2 September 2020, Vega flight VV16 lifted off from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana to deliver 53 light satellites into two separate Sun-synchronous orbits demonstrating a new dispenser called the Small Spacecraft Mission Service, or SSMS.

Vega's SSMS rideshare missions will maximise the number of satellites on each launch thus lowering the cost per ridesharing customer. The SSMS can be used for a dedicated rideshare or to fit clusters of small satellites on the launch of a large satellite.

Excellence Award competition opens

Do you know someone who is in the early stages of their career, but already deserves recognition for their innovative use of Earth observation? If so, there is now a unique opportunity to nominate them for the new ESA–EGU Earth Observation Excellence Award.

Watch Vega rideshare launch live

Tune in to ESA Web TV from 02:36 BST / 03:36 CEST on 2 September to watch the return to flight of Vega on its debut rideshare mission dedicated to light satellites.

Watch Vega rideshare launch live

Update: launch postponed, check here for updates

The storm track of Typhoon Maysak over South Korea – which requires that the Jeju telemetry station be protected – has led to the postponement of final preparatory operations for Vega’s Flight VV16 launch, which was scheduled for 1 September (Kourou) / 2 September (03:51 CEST).

A new launch date will be set based on the evolution of the tropical storm’s situation over the Jeju station and its consequences.

The Vega launch vehicle and its 53 satellite payloads are in stable and fully safe conditions.