# Sentinel-2A

> ESA optical Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q20354353](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q20354353)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentinel-2A)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sentinel-2a

## Summary
Sentinel-2A is an optical Earth observation satellite developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) as part of the Copernicus programme. Launched in 2015, it provides high-resolution multispectral imagery for applications such as land monitoring, agriculture, and disaster management.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: June 23, 2015, at 01:51:58 UTC from the Ensemble de Lancement Vega.
- **Operator**: European Space Agency (ESA).
- **Mass**: 1,140 kg (launch weight), 1,017 kg (dry weight).
- **Dimensions**: 3.4 m (length) × 1.8 m (width) × 2.35 m (height).
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit with an altitude of approximately 796 km.
- **Mission Duration**: Designed for a 7-year service life.
- **Instrument**: Equipped with a Multispectral Imager for high-resolution Earth observation.
- **Manufacturer**: Airbus DS GmbH.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Vega (VV05).
- **Part of**: The Sentinel programme under ESA's Copernicus programme.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of Sentinel-2A?
A: Sentinel-2A is designed for Earth observation, providing high-resolution multispectral imagery used in land monitoring, agriculture, forestry, and disaster management.

### Q: When was Sentinel-2A launched?
A: Sentinel-2A was launched on June 23, 2015, at 01:51:58 UTC.

### Q: What kind of orbit does Sentinel-2A have?
A: Sentinel-2A operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 796 km.

### Q: Who operates Sentinel-2A?
A: The European Space Agency (ESA) operates Sentinel-2A.

### Q: What is the mass of Sentinel-2A?
A: Sentinel-2A has a launch weight of 1,140 kg and a dry weight of 1,017 kg.

## Why It Matters
Sentinel-2A plays a crucial role in Earth observation by providing high-resolution multispectral imagery. This data is essential for monitoring land use, managing natural resources, and responding to natural disasters. The satellite's capabilities support a wide range of applications, from agriculture and forestry to urban planning and environmental protection. By offering detailed and timely information about the Earth's surface, Sentinel-2A helps scientists, policymakers, and organizations make informed decisions that impact environmental sustainability and human well-being.

## Notable For
- **High-Resolution Imaging**: Equipped with a Multispectral Imager that captures detailed images of the Earth's surface.
- **Sun-Synchronous Orbit**: Operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit, ensuring consistent lighting conditions for imaging.
- **Part of Copernicus Programme**: A key component of ESA's Copernicus programme, which aims to provide comprehensive Earth observation data.
- **Long Service Life**: Designed for a 7-year mission, contributing to long-term Earth monitoring efforts.
- **Collaborative Funding**: Funded by both the European Space Agency and the European Union.

## Body
### Overview
Sentinel-2A is an optical Earth observation satellite developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) as part of the Copernicus programme. It was launched on June 23, 2015, from the Ensemble de Lancement Vega using a Vega launch vehicle.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 1,140 kg (launch weight), 1,017 kg (dry weight).
- **Dimensions**: 3.4 m (length) × 1.8 m (width) × 2.35 m (height).
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit with an altitude of approximately 796 km.
- **Orbital Inclination**: 98.6 degrees.
- **Orbital Eccentricity**: 0.0001045.
- **Semi-Major Axis**: 7,167 km.

### Mission and Instruments
Sentinel-2A is equipped with a Multispectral Imager, which captures high-resolution images of the Earth's surface. This instrument is crucial for various applications, including land monitoring, agriculture, forestry, and disaster management.

### Launch and Operation
- **Launch Date**: June 23, 2015, at 01:51:58 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Vega (VV05).
- **Operator**: European Space Agency (ESA).
- **Manufacturer**: Airbus DS GmbH.
- **Service Life**: Designed for a 7-year mission.

### Funding and Collaboration
Sentinel-2A is funded by both the European Space Agency and the European Union. It is part of the Sentinel programme, which aims to provide comprehensive Earth observation data.

### Notable Events
- **Launch**: Sentinel-2A was successfully launched on June 23, 2015.
- **Orbit**: Operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit, ensuring consistent lighting conditions for imaging.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Sentinel-2A",
  "description": "ESA optical Earth observation satellite",
  "url": "https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Copernicus/Sentinel-2",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18350299",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentinel-2"
  ],
  "additionalType": "Satellite"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/sentinel-2.htm)
2. [Source](https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Copernicus/Sentinel-2/Facts_and_figures)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](https://www.dlr.de/dlr/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-10212/332_read-14001/#/gallery/19802)
5. [Source](https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=40697)