26/04/2018 (Agence Europe) – The Sentinel-3B satellites in the Copernicus terrestrial observation programme were successfully launched into orbit on Wednesday 25 April by the Russian Rokot rocket launcher from Plesetsk (Russia). This satellite has now joined Sentinel-3A, launched at the beginning of 2016 (see EUROPE 11492). Sentinel-3B is a dedicated environmental monitoring satellite focusing particularly on the oceans. They will be measuring the oceans' temperature, colour, depth and biological productivity, as well as maritime pollution. The data collected on a daily basis will help to monitor climate change and help develop applications on land and new maritime routes. There are six types of satellites in the Copernicus programme. Sentinel-4 and 5 still have to be put into orbit in the 2020s. The space industry is calling for a budget of €7 billion in order to continue with the programme under the next multi-annual financial framework (see EUROPE 12004). (PH)