# Sentinel-7 > model of Earth observation satellite **Wikidata**: [Q109044236](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q109044236) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CO2M_(Sentinel-7)) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sentinel-7 ## Summary Sentinel-7, also known as CO2M (Copernicus Anthropogenic Carbon Dioxide Monitoring), is a model of Earth observation satellite developed for the European Space Agency's Copernicus programme. Its primary mission is to monitor human-induced carbon dioxide emissions from orbit to provide precise data for global climate tracking. ## Key Facts - **Official Designation:** Sentinel-7, also referred to as CO2M or Copernicus Anthropogenic Carbon Dioxide Monitoring. - **Programme:** Part of the European Space Agency (ESA) Sentinel programme within the Copernicus initiative. - **Mass:** Approximately 1,500 kilograms. - **Operator:** European Space Agency (ESA). - **Primary Manufacturer:** OHB System AG serves as the prime contractor. - **Payload Manufacturers:** Thales Alenia Space and OIP Sensor Systems are responsible for the satellite's payload. - **Power Source:** Powered by a single spacecraft solar array. - **Classification:** Earth observation satellite and spacecraft model. - **Contract Date:** A significant construction contract for the mission was awarded in July 2020. ## FAQs ### Q: What is the main purpose of Sentinel-7? A: Sentinel-7 is specifically designed to monitor anthropogenic (human-made) carbon dioxide emissions. It provides high-resolution data to help scientists and policymakers track greenhouse gas concentrations and verify the impact of climate change mitigation efforts. ### Q: Who is building the Sentinel-7 satellite? A: The satellite is being manufactured by OHB System AG as the lead contractor. The specialized mission payload is being developed through a partnership between Thales Alenia Space and OIP Sensor Systems. ### Q: How does Sentinel-7 generate power in orbit? A: The spacecraft is equipped with one dedicated solar array. This system converts sunlight into electrical energy to power the satellite's instruments and orbital maintenance systems. ### Q: Is Sentinel-7 the same as CO2M? A: Yes, CO2M (Copernicus Anthropogenic Carbon Dioxide Monitoring) is the alternative name and functional designation for the Sentinel-7 mission. Both names refer to the same Earth observation satellite model. ## Why It Matters Sentinel-7, or the CO2M mission, is a pivotal component of the European Space Agency's Copernicus programme, serving as a dedicated tool for monitoring anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions. Its significance lies in its ability to provide high-resolution, consistent data on greenhouse gases, which is a fundamental requirement for global climate monitoring and the enforcement of environmental policies. By specifically targeting human-made CO2, the mission allows for a more accurate assessment of how industrial activities and urban centers contribute to the global carbon footprint. This level of detail is vital for supporting the Paris Agreement and other international climate accords, as it offers a transparent and independent means of verifying reported emission levels. Furthermore, the mission enhances the existing Sentinel fleet by filling a critical gap in atmospheric observation. The data collected by Sentinel-7 will enable scientists to better model climate change trajectories and assist governments in making informed decisions regarding carbon reduction targets. Ultimately, Sentinel-7 is not just a technological achievement but a necessary infrastructure for global environmental transparency and the long-term sustainability of the planet. ## Notable For - **Anthropogenic Focus:** Specifically engineered to distinguish human-induced carbon dioxide emissions from natural CO2 sources. - **Copernicus Integration:** Represents the seventh major mission series within the European Union's Copernicus Earth observation initiative. - **Industrial Collaboration:** Features a complex manufacturing structure involving OHB System AG for the bus and Thales Alenia Space for the payload. - **Strategic Climate Tool:** Established as a primary space-based asset for verifying international greenhouse gas reduction commitments. ## Body ### Mission Overview Sentinel-7 is a proposed spacecraft model within the Sentinel programme, which serves as the space-based component of the European Copernicus programme. Managed by the European Space Agency (ESA), the mission is officially designated as the Copernicus Anthropogenic Carbon Dioxide Monitoring (CO2M) mission. It is classified as an Earth observation satellite, a specialized type of artificial satellite designed to monitor terrestrial and atmospheric conditions from orbit. ### Technical Specifications and Design The Sentinel-7 satellite is designed with a total mass of 1,500 kilograms. To sustain its operations in Earth's orbit, the spacecraft utilizes a single solar array for power generation. The manufacturing of the satellite involves a consortium of European aerospace companies: * **Prime Contractor:** OHB System AG is responsible for the overall spacecraft. * **Payload Specialists:** Thales Alenia Space and OIP Sensor Systems are the primary entities responsible for the development and integration of the mission's monitoring instruments. ### Development and Significant Events The development of Sentinel-7 reached a major milestone in July 2020, when the official construction contract was established. As a "proposed entity" in the context of spacecraft models, it represents the next generation of atmospheric monitoring tools. The mission is supported by a wide range of academic and institutional resources, appearing in multiple languages including English and French, and is documented within the global Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons frameworks under the "Sentinel-7" and "CO2M" categories. ## References 1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/co2m.htm)