# Sentinel-8

> planned Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q109043790](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q109043790)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sentinel-8

## Summary
Sentinel-8 is a planned Earth observation satellite developed as part of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Copernicus Sentinel programme. It is designed to monitor Earth from orbit and is currently a proposed entity under the manufacturing leadership of Airbus Defence and Space.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Earth observation satellite
- **Programme:** Part of the ESA Copernicus Sentinel programme
- **Operator:** European Space Agency (ESA)
- **Manufacturer:** Airbus Defence and Space
- **Power Source:** Equipped with one spacecraft solar array
- **Major Milestone:** Construction contract signed in July 2020
- **Status:** Planned/proposed entity
- **Primary Reference:** Land Surface Temperature Monitoring (LSTM) mission

## FAQs
### Q: Who is responsible for the construction of Sentinel-8?
A: Sentinel-8 is being manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space. The European Space Agency (ESA) serves as the operator for the satellite within the framework of the Copernicus programme.

### Q: What is the primary purpose of the Sentinel-8 mission?
A: Sentinel-8 is an Earth observation satellite designed to collect data from orbit. It is specifically associated with Land Surface Temperature Monitoring (LSTM) to provide detailed thermal data about the Earth's surface.

### Q: When did the Sentinel-8 project officially begin construction?
A: A significant milestone for the project occurred in July 2020, when the official construction contract for the satellite was established.

## Why It Matters
Sentinel-8 represents a critical expansion of the Copernicus programme, which is the Earth observation component of the European Union's space programme. By joining the Sentinel fleet, this satellite enhances the European Space Agency's (ESA) ability to provide continuous and accurate data about our planet's environment. The mission is significant because it addresses specific observational gaps, specifically focusing on Land Surface Temperature Monitoring (LSTM).

The satellite's development by Airbus Defence and Space ensures that high-level aerospace engineering is applied to environmental monitoring. As a planned mission, it signifies the long-term commitment of the ESA to climate monitoring and resource management. By providing high-resolution thermal data, Sentinel-8 is intended to support agricultural management, water use efficiency, and climate change research. Its integration into the existing Sentinel infrastructure allows for a more comprehensive understanding of Earth's systems, helping policymakers and scientists make informed decisions regarding environmental sustainability and global change.

## Notable For
- **Copernicus Integration:** A key component of the world's most ambitious Earth observation initiative.
- **Industrial Partnership:** Developed through a major construction contract with Airbus Defence and Space.
- **Specialized Monitoring:** Specifically designed for Land Surface Temperature Monitoring (LSTM) applications.
- **Solar Powered:** Utilizes a dedicated spacecraft solar array for sustainable orbital operations.

## Body

### Programme Context
Sentinel-8 is a component of the Sentinel programme, which serves as the dedicated satellite constellation for the European Space Agency's Copernicus programme. It follows the established framework of Earth observation satellites designed to provide open-access data for environmental and security purposes. As a "proposed entity," it represents the next generation of European orbital assets.

### Technical Specifications and Manufacturing
The satellite is manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space. Its design includes a single spacecraft solar array to provide the necessary power for its orbital operations. The project reached a major milestone in July 2020 with the awarding of the construction contract, marking the transition from conceptual planning to active development.

### Mission Objectives
As an Earth observation satellite, Sentinel-8 is focused on monitoring terrestrial variables. Technical references link the mission specifically to Land Surface Temperature Monitoring (LSTM). This indicates a mission profile centered on thermal infrared observations, which are essential for tracking heat patterns, managing agricultural irrigation, and understanding urban heat islands on a global scale.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/lstm.htm)