Brussels, 29/06/2015 (Agence Europe): On Monday 29 June, the European Space Agency (ESA) announced that just four days after being lifted into orbit, Europe's Sentinel-2A satellite had delivered its first very high resolution images of Earth.
The first colour images from the meteorological satellite have arrived, with a swath width of 290 km. The satellite's first acquisition began in Sweden and made a strip-like observation from northern to southern Europe, through central Europe and ending in Algeria. They revealed a cloudy continent, with the exception of Italy. Although the satellite is still in its start-up phase and the multispectral imaging has a spectra of 13 bands (visible and infrared sensor) that will be calibrated for a further three months, EAS is pleased that the quality of the first images surpass expectations.
Sentinel-2A experienced a few minor technical incidents during its launch on the Vega rocket on 23 June last (see EUROPE 11341) according to reports from ESA last Friday. The team responsible for the operations based in Darmstadt, Germany, had to confront a range of unexpected technical hitches during the launch, particularly with the star sensor that enables the spacecraft to orientate itself based on the stars, as well as the GPS unit. Since then, the satellite has been operational and capable of carrying out its mission, according to the assurances provided by the ESA.
The next two immediate objectives will consist of evaluating and characterising the satellites' performance, as well as during the different phases and validation of the multispectral imaging activities.
In 2016, Sentinel-2B will catch up with the Copernicus satellite as part of the programme. They are expected to remain active for a seven-year period, which could be extended for an additional five years. (Pascal Hansens)