# Sentinel-12

> planned Earth observation satellite in the Sentinel programme

**Wikidata**: [Q109044234](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q109044234)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sentinel-12

## Summary
Sentinel-12 is a planned Earth observation satellite in the European Space Agency (ESA) Sentinel programme, designed for radar imaging. It is a proposed synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite with a reported launch weight of about 2,060 kilograms and a construction contract noted in July 2020.

## Key Facts
- Sentinel-12 is a planned Earth observation satellite in the Sentinel programme (part of ESA's Copernicus programme).  
- Instance: proposed synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite (i.e., a proposed entity).  
- Primary use: radar imaging; it carries a synthetic aperture radar instrument.  
- Launch weight / mass: 2,060 kilograms (criterion used: launch weight).  
- Operator: European Space Agency.  
- Manufacturers: Thales Alenia Space and Airbus Defence and Space.  
- Significant event: construction contract awarded/recorded in July 2020.  
- Classified as a synthetic aperture radar satellite, a subclass of radar satellites that use SAR techniques.  
- There is an existing French-language Wikipedia entry for Sentinel-12.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Sentinel-12?
A: Sentinel-12 is a planned Earth observation satellite in ESA’s Sentinel programme. It is proposed to be a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite used for radar imaging.

### Q: Who operates and builds Sentinel-12?
A: The operator is the European Space Agency. The manufacturers listed are Thales Alenia Space and Airbus Defence and Space.

### Q: Is Sentinel-12 already under construction?
A: A construction contract for Sentinel-12 is recorded as taking place in July 2020, indicating procurement/development activity; the satellite is described as a proposed/planned entity.

### Q: What payload will Sentinel-12 carry?
A: Sentinel-12 is reported to carry a synthetic aperture radar instrument intended for radar imaging.

## Why It Matters
Sentinel-12 extends the Sentinel programme’s capabilities within ESA’s Copernicus Earth observation framework by adding a dedicated synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite. SAR instruments provide active radar imaging capabilities that complement optical imagery, enabling radar-based measurements and observations under conditions where optical sensors are limited. As part of the Sentinel family, Sentinel-12 contributes to the broader goal of providing regular, consistent Earth observation data for environmental monitoring, policy support, and scientific research. The involvement of established aerospace manufacturers (Thales Alenia Space and Airbus Defence and Space) and a recorded construction contract in July 2020 indicate concrete development actions toward deployment. With a reported launch weight of about 2,060 kg, Sentinel-12 fits within the mass class typical for medium-sized Earth observation satellites and will operate under ESA management as part of the Copernicus programme’s satellite constellation.

## Notable For
- Being a planned/ proposed synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite within ESA’s Sentinel programme.  
- Carrying a synthetic aperture radar instrument for radar imaging.  
- Reported launch weight of approximately 2,060 kilograms (launch weight criterion).  
- Development/contract milestone recorded in July 2020.  
- Manufactured by established industry contractors: Thales Alenia Space and Airbus Defence and Space.

## Body

### Overview
- Sentinel-12 is described as a planned Earth observation satellite in the Sentinel programme.  
- It is classified as a proposed entity (noted as a proposed satellite).  
- The satellite is intended to perform radar imaging using synthetic aperture radar technology.

### Classification and role
- Instance: synthetic aperture radar satellite.  
- Subclass context: synthetic aperture radar satellites are a subclass of radar satellites that focus on SAR techniques.  
- Program context: part of the Sentinel programme, which comprises Earth observation satellites operated under ESA’s Copernicus programme.

### Technical specifications
- Mass / launch weight: 2,060 kg (criterion listed as launch weight).  
- Primary payload: synthetic aperture radar (SAR) instrument for radar imaging.  
- Use: radar imaging (designated operational purpose).

### Development and timeline
- Significant recorded event: a construction contract associated with Sentinel-12 is dated July 2020.  
- Status: described in available sources as a planned/proposed satellite; no launch date or operational date is provided in the cited material.

### Operators and manufacturers
- Operator: European Space Agency (ESA).  
- Manufacturers: Thales Alenia Space and Airbus Defence and Space are listed as manufacturers associated with Sentinel-12.

### Sources and references (as reported in provided material)
- Technical and program details (mass, use, manufacturers, operator, construction contract, and payload) are recorded in the available project documentation referenced for Sentinel-12.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/rose-l.htm)