# Sentinel-5 Precursor

> Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q17502490](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17502490)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentinel-5_Precursor)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sentinel-5-precursor

## Summary
Sentinel-5 Precursor is an Earth observation satellite launched on October 13, 2017, as part of the European Space Agency's Copernicus program. It serves as a precursor to the Sentinel-5 mission, focusing on monitoring atmospheric pollutants and greenhouse gases.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Earth observation satellite and artificial satellite
- **Part of**: Sentinel programme, a component of the Copernicus Earth observation program
- **Launch date**: October 13, 2017
- **Launch vehicle**: Rokot, a Russian space launch vehicle
- **Launch site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome
- **COSPAR ID**: 2017-064A
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2017-064A
- **Wikidata ID**: Q42969
- **Aliases**: Sentinel 5P, Sentinel-5 Precursor
- **Wikipedia title**: Sentinel-5 Precursor

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of Sentinel-5 Precursor?
A: Sentinel-5 Precursor is designed to monitor atmospheric pollutants and greenhouse gases, serving as a precursor to the Sentinel-5 mission within the Copernicus program.

### Q: Which organization launched Sentinel-5 Precursor?
A: Sentinel-5 Precursor was launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) as part of the Copernicus program.

### Q: What launch vehicle was used to deploy Sentinel-5 Precursor?
A: The satellite was launched using the Rokot space launch vehicle from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome on October 13, 2017.

### Q: How does Sentinel-5 Precursor differ from other Earth observation satellites?
A: Sentinel-5 Precursor is specifically focused on atmospheric monitoring, particularly tracking pollutants and greenhouse gases, making it unique in its specialized role within the Copernicus program.

### Q: What is the significance of Sentinel-5 Precursor in environmental monitoring?
A: Sentinel-5 Precursor provides critical data for assessing air quality and climate change by measuring key atmospheric components, contributing to global environmental research and policy.

## Why It Matters
Sentinel-5 Precursor plays a crucial role in environmental monitoring by providing high-resolution data on atmospheric pollutants and greenhouse gases. As part of the Copernicus program, it supports international efforts to track air quality and climate change, offering valuable insights for policymakers and scientists. Its specialized instruments enable precise measurements of trace gases, aerosols, and ultraviolet radiation, helping to assess the impact of human activities on the atmosphere. By filling a gap in existing satellite capabilities, Sentinel-5 Precursor enhances global environmental monitoring and contributes to sustainable development goals.

## Notable For
- **Precursor to Sentinel-5**: Served as a testbed for the operational Sentinel-5 mission, ensuring the technology and data quality before full deployment.
- **Atmospheric Monitoring**: Specialized in tracking key atmospheric components, including ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and methane.
- **Copernicus Program**: Part of the European Space Agency's Copernicus initiative, which aims to provide accurate, timely, and easily accessible information for environmental management.
- **Rokot Launch**: Successfully deployed using the Rokot launch vehicle, demonstrating its reliability for Earth observation missions.
- **Environmental Data**: Provided critical data for assessing air quality and climate change, supporting global environmental research and policy.

## Body
### Overview
Sentinel-5 Precursor is an Earth observation satellite developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) as part of the Copernicus program. Launched on October 13, 2017, it serves as a precursor to the Sentinel-5 mission, focusing on monitoring atmospheric pollutants and greenhouse gases.

### Mission and Instruments
The satellite is equipped with the TROPOMI (Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument), which measures trace gases, aerosols, and ultraviolet radiation. TROPOMI provides high-resolution data on key atmospheric components, including ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and methane, essential for environmental monitoring.

### Launch and Deployment
Sentinel-5 Precursor was launched using the Rokot space launch vehicle from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. The launch marked a significant milestone in the Copernicus program, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Rokot vehicle for Earth observation missions.

### Significance
As part of the Copernicus program, Sentinel-5 Precursor supports international efforts to track air quality and climate change. Its data contributes to global environmental research and policy, helping to assess the impact of human activities on the atmosphere.

### Legacy
Sentinel-5 Precursor served as a testbed for the operational Sentinel-5 mission, ensuring the technology and data quality before full deployment. Its success paved the way for continued atmospheric monitoring and environmental management.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report