# Sentinel-3A

> ESA Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q22350864](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q22350864)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentinel-3A)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sentinel-3a

## Summary
Sentinel-3A is an Earth observation satellite operated by the European Space Agency (ESA) as part of the Copernicus programme, launched in 2016 to monitor oceans, land, and atmospheric conditions. It is the first satellite in the Sentinel-3 series, designed to provide high-resolution data for environmental monitoring and climate change studies.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: 16 February 2016 at 17:57:45 UTC from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133.
- **Operator**: European Space Agency (ESA).
- **Manufacturer**: Thales Alenia Space.
- **Mass**: 1,200 kg (launch weight).
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit.
- **Design Life**: 7 years.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Rokot (serial number 492-9794-553) with Briz-KM upper stage.
- **COSPAR ID**: 2016-011A.
- **Preceded By**: None (first in Sentinel-3 series); **Succeeded By**: Sentinel-3B.
- **Programme**: Part of the ESA's Sentinel programme under the Copernicus initiative.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Sentinel-3A launched and what is its primary mission?
A: Sentinel-3A launched on 16 February 2016 to provide global monitoring of oceans, land, ice, and atmospheric conditions, supporting climate research and operational services.

### Q: Who built and operates Sentinel-3A?
A: The satellite was manufactured by Thales Alenia Space and is operated by the European Space Agency (ESA).

### Q: What instruments does Sentinel-3A carry?
A: While specific instruments are not detailed in the source material, Sentinel-3 satellites typically carry sensors for measuring sea-surface temperature, ocean colour, and land vegetation, among others.

## Why It Matters
Sentinel-3A plays a critical role in the Copernicus Earth observation programme, providing essential data for monitoring climate change, managing natural resources, and responding to environmental disasters. Its high-resolution imagery and systematic global coverage support scientific research, policy-making, and operational services like weather forecasting and ocean monitoring. As part of the Sentinel-3 series, it ensures continuity of data from previous missions, enhancing long-term climate studies and enabling more accurate predictions of environmental changes.

## Notable For
- First satellite in the Sentinel-3 series, establishing a new generation of ocean and land monitoring capabilities.
- Designed for a 7-year operational lifespan, ensuring sustained data provision for environmental monitoring.
- Operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit, providing consistent and repetitive coverage of the Earth’s surface.
- Part of the broader Copernicus programme, contributing to Europe’s largest civil Earth observation initiative.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Sentinel-3A is designed to collect high-resolution optical imagery and radiometric data to support ocean and land monitoring. Its mission focuses on measuring sea-surface temperature, ocean colour, sea and land surface temperature, and vegetation indices. The satellite operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 815 km, with a 7-year design life.

### Technical Specifications
- **Spacecraft Bus**: PRIMA (Proteus Instrumentation Module Architecture).
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar arrays.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Rokot rocket with Briz-KM upper stage (launcher serial number 492-9794-553).
- **Mass**: 1,200 kg at launch.

### Launch Details
- **Date/Time**: 16 February 2016, 17:57:45 UTC.
- **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 133/3, Russia.
- **Mission Status**: Operational as of the last update, with Sentinel-3B following its launch on 25 April 2018.

### Operational Role
Sentinel-3A works in tandem with other Sentinel satellites to provide robust data for Copernicus services, including the Marine Service, Land Service, and Climate Change Service. Its sensors deliver critical information for monitoring ocean health, tracking deforestation, and assessing the impacts of climate change.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Satellite",
  "name": "Sentinel-3A",
  "description": "ESA Earth observation satellite launched in 2016 as part of the Copernicus programme.",
  "url": "https://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Observing_the_Earth/Sentinel_missions/Sentinel-3",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q22937553",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentinel-3A"
  ],
  "manufacturer": "Thales Alenia Space",
  "operator": "European Space Agency",
  "launchDate": "2016-02-16",
  "cosparId": "2016-011A",
  "satelliteBus": "PRIMA",
  "orbit": "Sun-synchronous orbit"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/sentinel-3.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report