# Sentinel-9 > planned Earth observation satellite **Wikidata**: [Q109044239](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q109044239) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sentinel-9 ## Summary Sentinel-9 is a planned Earth observation satellite that will be part of the European Space Agency's Sentinel programme within the Copernicus initiative. The satellite, currently in development, will be manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space with construction work commencing in July 2020. ## Key Facts - Sentinel-9 is a planned Earth observation satellite that is part of the European Space Agency's Sentinel programme. - The satellite will be operated by the European Space Agency as part of the Copernicus Earth observation initiative. - Construction work for Sentinel-9 began with a contract signed in July 2020. - Sentinel-9 will be manufactured by both Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space. - The satellite is classified as an Earth observation satellite, specifically designed to observe Earth from orbit. - No specific launch date has been announced for Sentinel-9 in available information. - Sentinel-9 has only one known sitelink, a Wikipedia page available in French language. ## FAQs ### Q: What is Sentinel-9? A: Sentinel-9 is a planned Earth observation satellite that will be part of the European Space Agency's Sentinel programme under the Copernicus initiative. It's designed to monitor Earth from orbit, though specific observational goals are not detailed in the available information. ### Q: When will Sentinel-9 be launched? A: No specific launch date has been provided for Sentinel-9 in the available information. The satellite is still in the planning and early construction phase, with a construction contract signed in July 2020. ### Q: Who is manufacturing Sentinel-9? A: Sentinel-9 is being manufactured by two major aerospace companies: Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space. These companies are responsible for building the satellite as part of the ESA's Copernicus Earth observation programme. ### Q: What is the purpose of Sentinel-9? A: As an Earth observation satellite, Sentinel-9 will be designed to monitor Earth from orbit for various purposes including environmental monitoring, climate studies, security surveillance, and disaster management as part of the larger Sentinel programme. ### Q: How does Sentinel-9 relate to other Sentinel satellites? A: Sentinel-9 shares the same basic classification as other Sentinel satellites as Earth observation satellites within ESA's Copernicus programme. It will be one of several satellites in this family, each with specific observational capabilities. ## Why It Matters Sentinel-9 represents an important component of the European Space Agency's Earth observation capabilities, expanding the Copernicus programme's ability to monitor our planet from space. By providing new observational data, Sentinel-9 will contribute to various critical applications including environmental monitoring, climate change studies, disaster management, and security surveillance. The Copernicus programme, of which Sentinel-9 is a part, has become Europe's flagship initiative for Earth observation, providing essential data to scientists, policymakers, and businesses worldwide. The addition of Sentinel-9 will enhance the program's capacity to gather comprehensive information about our planet, supporting sustainable development and informed decision-making. ## Notable For - Being part of the comprehensive Sentinel programme that forms a critical component of Europe's Copernicus Earth observation initiative - Being manufactured by two leading aerospace companies, Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space - Having construction work initiated through a contract signed in July 2020 - Having its own dedicated identity within the broader Sentinel satellite family - Addressing specific observational needs within the Copernicus Earth monitoring framework ## Body ### Mission Overview Sentinel-9 is a planned Earth observation satellite designed to monitor Earth from orbit. As part of the Sentinel programme, it falls under the larger Copernicus initiative of the European Space Agency (ESA). The satellite is still in the planning and early construction phase, with no specific launch date provided in available information. ### Programme Context The Sentinel programme consists of Earth observation satellites that form a critical part of ESA's Copernicus programme. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive Earth observation data to support various environmental, security, and climate-related applications. Sentinel-9 will be one of several satellites in this family, each with specific observational capabilities. ### Manufacturing and Development Sentinel-9 is being manufactured by two major aerospace companies: - Airbus Defence and Space - Thales Alenia Space Construction work began with a contract signed in July 2020, indicating the satellite is in early development stages. The involvement of two prominent manufacturers suggests a collaborative approach to building this Earth observation platform. ### Technical Classification As an Earth observation satellite, Sentinel-9 is specifically designed to observe Earth from orbit, collecting data for various monitoring and analysis purposes. This classification places it alongside other Sentinel satellites dedicated to different aspects of Earth observation. ### Current Status The satellite remains in the planning phase with construction work having commenced in 2020. No specific launch timeline or mission parameters have been disclosed in the available information. The project maintains a presence online through a French-language Wikipedia page. ## References 1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/cristal.htm)