Brussels, 4 April 2014
Earth observation: Copernicus satellite lifts off successfully
Today’s successful launch marks a major milestone for EU’s Earth observation programme Copernicus. Sentinel 1A, the first satellite dedicated to the programme, was put into orbit after a successful launch at 23:02 on 3 April from Europe’s spaceport at Kourou, French Guiana.
This represents a significant achievement, not just for the Copernicus programme, but also for European Space Policy and the involvement of the European Union in space activities. The EU has put space at the forefront of its political agenda. Space is at the heart of the European Union strategy for growth – the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.
Copernicus, the EU's Earth Observation Programme, will ensure the regular observation and monitoring of Earth sub-systems, the atmosphere, oceans, and continental surfaces, and will provide reliable, validated and guaranteed information in support of a broad range of environmental and security applications and decisions.
European Commission Vice President @AntonioTajaniEU, responsible for industry and entrepreneurship said: “Thanks to Sentinel 1A, the first of a constellation of satellites dedicated to the Copernicus programme, brand new eyes will observe our living Earth as never before and these eyes will be European! The data provided by this satellite will enable considerable progress in improving maritime security, climate change monitoring and providing support in emergency and crisis situations. Multiplying, in this way, the benefits that European citizens will reap from our space programmes.”
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