Sentinel-3C satellite transmits first images of Earth

The Copernicus Sentinel-3C satellite has successfully transmitted its first images and measurements just two weeks after its launch on September 15. The initial data includes views of Italy, the Arctic, the Caribbean, and the Antarctic ice sheet, as well as measurements of the Greenland ice sheet height and sea surface levels.

As the third satellite in the Sentinel-3 series, the mission is designed to monitor the health of Earth’s oceans, land, cryosphere, and atmosphere. Key capabilities include measuring sea surface temperature, color, and height, as well as monitoring sea ice thickness. On land, the satellite will track droughts, wildfires, vegetation health, and the height of rivers and lakes.

The European Space Agency and EUMETSAT are currently in the process of commissioning the satellite. This calibration and testing phase is expected to take approximately five months before the data begins flowing to global users to support weather forecasting, marine pollution monitoring, and climate change tracking.