# Sentinel programme

> Earth observation satellites of ESA's Copernicus programme

**Wikidata**: [Q4303731](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4303731)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentinel_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sentinel-programme

## Summary
The Sentinel programme is a series of Earth observation satellites developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) as part of the Copernicus Programme. These satellites are designed to monitor Earth's environment, climate, and security, providing critical data for scientific research, policy-making, and disaster management.

## Key Facts
- The Sentinel programme is part of the Copernicus Programme, an initiative led by the European Union in partnership with ESA.
- The programme includes multiple satellite models, such as Sentinel-1 (synthetic aperture radar), Sentinel-2 (optical imaging), and Sentinel-3 (multi-instrument ocean and land monitoring).
- Specific satellites in the programme include Sentinel-1A, Sentinel-2A, Sentinel-3A, and others, each with unique observational capabilities.
- The programme also includes planned satellites like Sentinel-9 and Sentinel-12, indicating ongoing expansion.
- Sentinel satellites are classified as Earth observation satellites, designed to collect data on Earth's surface, atmosphere, and oceans.
- The programme is a key component of Europe's efforts to monitor environmental changes and support sustainable development.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of the Sentinel programme?
A: The Sentinel programme aims to provide continuous, high-quality Earth observation data to support environmental monitoring, climate research, and disaster response.

### Q: How many Sentinel satellites are there?
A: The programme includes multiple satellite models (e.g., Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2) and individual satellites (e.g., Sentinel-3A, Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich), with more planned for future deployment.

### Q: Who operates the Sentinel programme?
A: The programme is operated by the European Space Agency (ESA) as part of the Copernicus Programme, which is led by the European Union.

### Q: What kind of data do Sentinel satellites collect?
A: Sentinel satellites collect a variety of data, including optical imagery, radar observations, and measurements of ocean and atmospheric conditions.

### Q: Are there future Sentinel satellites planned?
A: Yes, satellites like Sentinel-9 and Sentinel-12 are planned as part of the programme's ongoing expansion.

## Why It Matters
The Sentinel programme plays a crucial role in global environmental monitoring by providing accurate and timely data on Earth's land, oceans, and atmosphere. This data is essential for understanding climate change, managing natural resources, and responding to natural disasters. By offering open-access data, the programme supports scientific research, policy-making, and international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges. Its continuous monitoring capabilities help track changes in Earth's systems, enabling better decision-making for sustainable development and environmental protection.

## Notable For
- Being a key component of the Copernicus Programme, one of the world's most ambitious Earth observation initiatives.
- Including a diverse range of satellite models, each specialized for different types of Earth observation (e.g., radar, optical, multi-instrument).
- Providing open-access data that supports global scientific research and environmental monitoring.
- Contributing to disaster management and climate research through continuous and high-resolution Earth observations.
- Representing a collaborative effort between the European Union and ESA to advance Earth observation capabilities.

## Body
### Overview
The Sentinel programme is a series of Earth observation satellites developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) as part of the Copernicus Programme. The programme is designed to provide comprehensive data on Earth's environment, climate, and security.

### Satellite Models
The programme includes several satellite models, each with specific observational capabilities:
- **Sentinel-1**: Synthetic aperture radar satellites for all-weather, day-and-night imaging.
- **Sentinel-2**: Optical imaging satellites for high-resolution land monitoring.
- **Sentinel-3**: Multi-instrument satellites for ocean and land monitoring.
- **Sentinel-4**: Geostationary satellites for atmospheric monitoring.
- **Sentinel-5**: Polar-orbiting satellites for atmospheric composition monitoring.
- **Sentinel-6**: Satellites for ocean altimetry and sea level monitoring.

### Individual Satellites
Specific satellites in the programme include:
- Sentinel-1A, Sentinel-1B
- Sentinel-2A, Sentinel-2B, Sentinel-2C
- Sentinel-3A, Sentinel-3B
- Sentinel-5 Precursor
- Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, Sentinel-6B

### Planned Satellites
Future satellites in the programme include:
- Sentinel-9
- Sentinel-10
- Sentinel-11
- Sentinel-12

### Data and Applications
The Sentinel programme provides open-access data that supports a wide range of applications, including:
- Climate change monitoring
- Natural resource management
- Disaster response and management
- Agricultural monitoring
- Urban planning

### Collaboration and Funding
The programme is a collaborative effort between the European Union and ESA, with funding and operational support from both entities. The open-access data policy ensures that the data is available to researchers, policymakers, and the public worldwide.

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## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013