Earth observation: Sentinel-1A first images underline societal benefits of Copernicus
9 May 2014 04:02 PM
The European Commission and the European Space
Agency have published some of the first high quality images delivered by
Sentinel-1A launched on 3 April 2014.
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/newsroom/cf/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=7506.
The
images on the state of sea ice, the sea and of the land underline
that Copernicus, the largest civil Earth Observation
programme ever conceived, is progressing according to plan. The programme will
contribute to an improved and more frequent observation of Earth
sub-systems, including the atmosphere, oceans, and continental
surfaces. Images from Sentinel 1-A, the first satellite of the Copernicus
constellation, are produced with state-of-the-art radar imaging technology. By
using microwave frequencies, radar satellites can see through clouds and
storms (unlike optical sensors) acquiring imagery regardless of the
weather. Moreover, radar sensors carry their own illumination source, in the
form of radio waves transmitted by an antenna. This means that the radar
can be used with equal effectiveness at any time of the day and
night.
Sentinel-1 data will be made available systematically
and free of charge to all users including public authorities (at European,
national and regional levels) the general public, and scientific and commercial
users. Furthermore, for emergency response, radar data can be delivered within
an hour of image acquisition for Near Real-Time (NRT) image
delivery.
European Commissioner Michel Barnier, acting
Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, said: "It is now
clear that Copernicus will provide reliable, validated and guaranteed
information in support of a broad range of environmental and security
applications. By observing the Earth can we ensure a safer world. At the same
time we will open up new business opportunities for
SMEs."
Sentinel-1A first images
The
images presented are the first elements of a more systematic earth observation
programme, and cover a number of application areas:
Monitoring sea
ice ensures safe year-round
navigation
Sentinel-1 images can be used for generating
high-resolution ice charts, monitoring icebergs and forecasting ice conditions.
The radar can distinguish between the thinner, more navigable first-year ice
and the hazardous, much thicker multiyear ice to help assure safe year-round
navigation in ice-covered Arctic and sub-Arctic zones. New ice may form in
large areas from one day to the next and ice may drift more than 50 km in a
day, so it is important to have regular observations in order to provide an up
to date ice service for safe navigation.
Evolution of land cover
Sentinel-1A systematically sweeps the globe. A high
repetition rate (i.e. the same area may be covered every 12 days) allows the
close monitoring of changes in land cover, which is particularly useful for
crop classification or to monitor the evolution of forests at global
level.
Disaster and emergency support
Since radar-based imagery is not hampered by adverse
weather conditions, Sentinel-1 is particularly useful for monitoring floods.
The images are used for the preparation of maps to delineate the extent of
floods. Moreover Sentinel-1A images can be used for precise terrain deformation
monitoring over land slide, seismic or subsidence areas by providing regular
and frequent observations of soil movements.
Sea
State
Sentinel-1 provides information about wind, waves and
currents. This information could help to improve shipping efficiency and sea
wave energy applications, as well as climatology.
Maritime Surveillance
Sentinel 1 enhances Copernicus' maritime monitoring
capabilities. Sentinel-1A Synthetic Aperture Radar images are a valuable
source for near real-time operational monitoring of European seas for vessel
detection. Moreover, the radar technology of Sentinel-1 is of particular
relevance for oil spill detection. Oil spills from tankers, offshore platforms
and oil pipelines can cause enormous damage to the environment and the
economy.
Climate Change
The
Sentinel 1 mission is designed to monitor key climate variables such as soil
moisture, wind speed and direction, sea ice, continental ice sheets and
glaciers. While the mission offers timely information for a multitude of
operational applications, it continues more than 20 years of radar imagery.
This archive is not only essential for practical applications that need long
time series of data, but also for understanding the long-term impacts of
climate change, such as those on Arctic sea-ice cover, continental ice sheets
and glaciers. The observed seasonal growth and retreat of ice cover shows the
effects of global warming.
Background
The
first Copernicus mission, Sentinel-1 is composed of a constellation of two
polar-orbiting satellites, Sentinel-1A and Sentinel-1B, which will share the
same orbital plane and operate day and night, performing so-called Synthetic
Aperture Radar imaging.
For
more information
http://copernicus.eu
Copernicus on Europa
IP/14/380 - Earth observation: Copernicus satellite lifts off
successfully
First images of Sentinel-1A