# Sentinel-2

> model of Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q4302480](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4302480)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentinel-2)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sentinel-2

## Summary
Sentinel-2 is a model of Earth observation satellite developed as part of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Copernicus programme. It is designed to monitor Earth's surface, providing high-resolution optical imagery for applications like land monitoring, emergency management, and climate studies.

## Key Facts
- **Part of the Sentinel programme**, a series of Earth observation satellites under ESA's Copernicus programme.
- **Developed by Astrium** (later acquired by Airbus Defence and Space in 2014).
- **Operated by the European Space Agency (ESA)**.
- **Launched using the Vega rocket** from the Guiana Space Centre.
- **Includes multiple satellites**: Sentinel-2A, Sentinel-2B, and Sentinel-2C.
- **Focuses on open data**, contributing to the European Open Science Cloud.
- **Manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space France** (post-2014).
- **Classified as an Earth observation satellite**, specializing in optical imagery.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of Sentinel-2?
A: Sentinel-2 is designed for Earth observation, providing high-resolution optical imagery to support applications like land monitoring, agriculture, forestry, and disaster management.

### Q: Who operates Sentinel-2?
A: The European Space Agency (ESA) operates Sentinel-2 as part of its Copernicus programme.

### Q: What rockets are used to launch Sentinel-2 satellites?
A: Sentinel-2 satellites are launched using the Vega rocket from the Guiana Space Centre.

### Q: How many Sentinel-2 satellites are there?
A: There are at least three Sentinel-2 satellites: Sentinel-2A, Sentinel-2B, and Sentinel-2C.

### Q: What kind of data does Sentinel-2 provide?
A: Sentinel-2 provides open optical imagery data, contributing to the European Open Science Cloud and supporting various environmental and scientific applications.

## Why It Matters
Sentinel-2 plays a crucial role in modern Earth observation by providing high-resolution, openly accessible imagery. This data is vital for monitoring land use, tracking environmental changes, managing natural disasters, and supporting agricultural and forestry practices. By contributing to the European Open Science Cloud, Sentinel-2 enables researchers, policymakers, and industries to make data-driven decisions that address global challenges like climate change, urbanization, and food security. Its open-data policy democratizes access to critical environmental information, fostering innovation and collaboration across sectors.

## Notable For
- **High-resolution optical imagery**: Provides detailed visual data of Earth's surface.
- **Open-data contribution**: Supports the European Open Science Cloud, making data freely accessible.
- **Part of the Copernicus programme**: A flagship initiative of the European Space Agency for Earth observation.
- **Multiple satellite deployments**: Includes Sentinel-2A, 2B, and 2C, ensuring continuous coverage.
- **Disaster and environmental monitoring**: Used for tracking natural disasters, land use changes, and climate impacts.

## Body
### Overview
Sentinel-2 is a model of Earth observation satellite developed under the European Space Agency's (ESA) Copernicus programme. It is designed to capture high-resolution optical imagery of Earth's surface, supporting a wide range of applications from agriculture to disaster management.

### Development and Manufacture
- **Developer**: Initially developed by Astrium, which was later acquired by Airbus Defence and Space in 2014.
- **Manufacturer**: Airbus Defence and Space France is the primary manufacturer post-2014.
- **Operator**: The European Space Agency (ESA) oversees the operation of Sentinel-2 satellites.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Vehicle**: Sentinel-2 satellites are launched using the Vega rocket.
- **Launch Site**: The Guiana Space Centre serves as the launch point.
- **Satellites in the Series**:
  - Sentinel-2A
  - Sentinel-2B
  - Sentinel-2C

### Applications and Data
- **Primary Use**: Land monitoring, emergency management, and climate studies.
- **Data Type**: Optical imagery, contributing to open data initiatives like the European Open Science Cloud.
- **Accessibility**: Data is openly available, supporting research and policy-making.

### Technical Specifications
- **Classification**: Earth observation satellite, specializing in optical imagery.
- **Programme Affiliation**: Part of the Sentinel programme under ESA's Copernicus initiative.

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## References

1. [Source](https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Copernicus/Sentinel-2/Facts_and_figures)
2. BabelNet