Copernicus Sentinel-3
Monitoring the marine environment and atmospheric composition
Copernicus Sentinel-3 is a European satellite mission that is designed to monitor the Earth's oceans, land, ice, and atmosphere.
19 January 2024
26 May 2020
The two Sentinel-3A and -3B satellites are in a near polar, sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 815 kilometres.
EUMETSAT operates the satellites, on behalf of the European Commission, in cooperation with ESA. EUMETSAT is also responsible for processing and distribution of the marine data and some atmospheric composition products, whilst ESA delivers the land data.
In the marine environment, the two Sentinel-3A and -3B satellites collect measurements used to derive global ocean colour, sea surface temperature and sea surface height. These measurements can also be used to provide atmospheric data including information on air quality and fires.
The future launch of two additional satellites (Sentinel-3C and -3D) will guarantee the ongoing data continuity from the Sentinel-3 satellites.
The Sentinel-3 satellites carry four main instruments:
Ocean and Land Colour Instrument
The Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) measures the reflectance of sunlight from Earth's surface in 21 spectral bands at a resolution of 300 metres. This data can be used to map ocean colour, vegetation cover, and land use.
Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer
The Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer (SLSTR) measures sea and land surface temperatures in 9 spectral bands at a resolution of 1km. This data can be used to track changes in sea ice, monitor ocean currents, and study climate change.
Synthetic Aperture Radar Altimeter
The Synthetic Aperture Radar Altimeter (SRAL) is used to measure sea and lake surface height, significant wave height, ocean surface wind speed and sea ice height and thickness.
Microwave Radiometer
The Microwave Radiometer (MWR) measures atmospheric water vapour which is used to correct the data received by the SRAL instrument.
How is Sentinel-3 data used?
Sentinel-3 supports many applications including: measuring sea and lake surface topography; sea and land surface temperature; sea-ice and land ice elevation and ocean and land surface colour to support ocean forecasting systems, environmental monitoring and climate monitoring. It is also used for air quality and wildfire monitoring.
