Thursday, April 26, 2018

Europe Launches Seventh Sentinel Earth Observation Satellite

Europe has launched the seventh of its Sentinel Earth observation satellites as part of its multi-billion-euro Copernicus program to help predict weather phenomena such as El Nino and track the progress of global warming.

The Sentinel-3B satellite, part of a system of satellites that is to monitor Earth, blasted off on board a Rockot rocket from the Plesetsk cosmodrome in Russia’s northwestern Arkhangelsk region at 1:57 p.m. EDT (1757 GMT) on Wednesday.

It will join its twin Sentinel-3A, which has been in orbit since 2016, to collect data on sea surface temperature and height that will contribute to more precise weather forecasts and help forecast the impact of rising temperatures.

The two satellites will orbit 506 miles (815 km) above Earth, on opposite sides of the planet.

Their data could also help shipping companies chart more efficient routes and may be used to monitor forest fires, water pollution, and oil spills.

Read more at Europe Launches Seventh Sentinel Earth Observation Satellite

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