Copernicus satellite lifts off successfully
4 Apr 2014 02:47 PM
The successful launch
marks a major milestone for EU’s Earth observation programme
Copernicus. Sentinel 1A, the first satellite dedicated to the programme,
was put into orbit after a successful launch at 23:02 on 3 April from
Europe’s spaceport at Kourou, French
Guiana.
This represents a significant
achievement, not just for the Copernicus programme, but also for European Space
Policy and the involvement of the European Union in space activities. The EU
has put space at the forefront of its political
agenda. Space is at the heart of the European Union strategy for
growth – the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable
and inclusive growth.
Sentinel 1A is the first
satellite of the first of six families of dedicated satellite missions, which
will be launched between 2014 and 2021. See IP/14/357 and MEMO/14/251.
Copernicus, the EU's Earth
Observation Programme, will ensure the regular observation and monitoring of
Earth sub-systems, the atmosphere, oceans, and continental surfaces, and will
provide reliable, validated and guaranteed information in support of a broad
range of environmental and security applications and
decisions.
European Commission Vice
President @AntonioTajaniEU, responsible for industry and entrepreneurship
said: “Thanks to Sentinel 1A, the first of a constellation of
satellites dedicated to the Copernicus programme, brand new eyes will observe
our living Earth as never before and these eyes will be European! The data
provided by this satellite will enable considerable progress in improving
maritime security, climate change monitoring and providing support in emergency
and crisis situations. Multiplying, in this way, the benefits that European
citizens will reap from our space programmes.”
For more
information
IP/14/78 Eurobarometer on Europeans' attitudes to Space
Activities
http://copernicus.eu
Copernicus on Europa
Photos: http://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/content/search?SearchText=sentinel-1&
;img=1