# Sentinel-2B

> ESA optical Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q28857865](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q28857865)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentinel-2B)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sentinel-2b

## Summary  
Sentinel-2B is an Earth observation satellite operated by the European Space Agency (ESA) as part of the Copernicus programme. Launched in March 2017, it captures high-resolution optical imagery of Earth’s surface for environmental monitoring and land use analysis.

## Key Facts  
- Launched on **March 7, 2017**, at 01:49:24 UTC from Ensemble de Lancement Vega using a Vega VV09 rocket.  
- Operated by the **European Space Agency (ESA)** with funding from ESA and the **European Union**.  
- Part of the **Sentinel programme**, specifically the **Sentinel-2 class**; follows Sentinel-2A and precedes Sentinel-2C.  
- Weighs approximately **1,140 kg at launch** and **1,017 kg dry mass**.  
- Dimensions: **3.4 m length × 2.35 m height × 1.8 m width**.  
- Equipped with a **Multispectral Imager** for land monitoring.  
- Orbit: **Sun-synchronous**, altitude between **795.3 km (periapsis)** and **796.9 km (apoapsis)**, inclination of **98.6°**, orbital period of **100.6 minutes**.  
- Designed for a **7-year service life** aboard an **AstroSat-500 Mk. 2 bus**.  
- Manufacturer: **Airbus DS GmbH**; launch contractor: **Arianespace**.

## FAQs  

### Q: What is Sentinel-2B used for?  
A: Sentinel-2B monitors Earth's land surfaces, providing high-resolution multispectral images for agriculture, forestry, land use changes, and disaster management under ESA’s Copernicus programme.

### Q: When was Sentinel-2B launched?  
A: Sentinel-2B was launched on **March 7, 2017**, from Kourou, French Guiana, using a Vega VV09 rocket.

### Q: How does Sentinel-2B differ from Sentinel-2A?  
A: Both are nearly identical satellites designed for Earth observation, but Sentinel-2B was launched after Sentinel-2A to provide increased temporal resolution through coordinated imaging operations.

## Why It Matters  
Sentinel-2B plays a critical role in global environmental monitoring by delivering consistent, high-quality optical imagery of Earth’s surface. As part of the Copernicus programme, it supports scientific research, policy-making, and emergency response efforts worldwide. Its data enables accurate tracking of vegetation health, urban growth, water quality, and natural disasters. By working in tandem with Sentinel-2A, it enhances revisit frequency, ensuring more timely information for users across various sectors including agriculture, climate science, and resource management.

## Notable For  
- Being one of two twin satellites (with Sentinel-2A) enabling a **five-day revisit cycle** over any point on Earth.  
- Providing **multispectral imagery at 10–60 meter spatial resolution** via its advanced MSI instrument.  
- Operating within a **Sun-synchronous orbit optimized for consistent lighting conditions** during image acquisition.  
- Utilizing the **AstroSat-500 Mk. 2 platform**, tailored for Earth observation missions requiring long-term reliability and precision.

## Body  

### Mission Overview  
Sentinel-2B is a second-generation Earth observation satellite developed under ESA's Copernicus programme. Its primary mission is to monitor land cover, vegetation, inland water bodies, coastal zones, and glaciers globally using visible and near-infrared wavelengths.

### Technical Specifications  
The satellite has a launch mass of **1,140 kg** and a dry mass of **1,017 kg**. It measures **3.4 meters in length**, **2.35 meters in height**, and **1.8 meters in width**. Power is supplied by deployable **spacecraft solar arrays**.

It operates in a **Sun-synchronous orbit** with:
- Apoapsis: **796.9 km**
- Periapsis: **795.3 km**
- Inclination: **98.6 degrees**
- Orbital Period: **~100.6 minutes**

### Instruments  
- **Multispectral Instrument (MSI):** Captures 13 spectral bands ranging from visible to shortwave infrared, offering resolutions of 10m, 20m, or 60m depending on band.

### Launch Details  
Launched on **March 7, 2017**, at **01:49:24 UTC** from **Ensemble de Lancement Vega** (Kourou, French Guiana), using a **Vega VV09** launcher manufactured by **Arianespace**.

### Operational Life & Design  
Designed for a nominal **7-year service life**, Sentinel-2B continues operational duties beyond initial estimates due to robust engineering and redundancy systems built into the **AstroSat-500 Mk. 2 bus** architecture.

### Programmatic Context  
Part of the broader **Sentinel programme**, which includes multiple dedicated Earth observation missions supporting the EU’s Copernicus initiative. Sentinel-2B works alongside Sentinel-2A to deliver enhanced temporal coverage and improved data availability.

## Schema Markup  
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  "name": "Sentinel-2B",
  "description": "ESA optical Earth observation satellite",
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## 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.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=42063)