Mon, Jun 20, 2016
Sentinel-2B Optical Satellite Ready For Environmental Testing At ESTEC
The Sentinel-2B optical satellite is the second of its type from Airbus Defence and Space, providing the "Color Vision" of Europe´s Earth observation program Copernicus, a joint project of the European Commission and the European Space Agency (ESA). In the coming months, the completed satellite will undergo a series of environmental tests at ESA’s research and technology center ESTEC, Noordwijk (The Netherlands), to determine its readiness for flight.
The Sentinel-2 mission, designed and built by a consortium of around 60 companies led by Airbus Defence and Space, is based on a constellation of two identical satellites flying in the same orbit, 180° apart for optimal coverage and data delivery. Together they image all Earth’s land surfaces, large islands, inland and coastal waters every five days at the equator. Sentinel-2A was launched on 23 June 2015, its twin, Sentinel-2B, will follow early next year.
The Sentinel-2 satellites deliver optical images from the visible-near infrared to short-wave infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum using a total of 13 spectral bands with a spatial resolution of 10, 20 or 60 meters and a swath width of 290 km. Sentinel-2 is dedicated to monitor land use and management, soil sealing, forest and crops. It may also be used to observe natural disasters like floods, forest fires, landslides, and coastal erosion to support ground humanitarian aid.
The Sentinel-1 and -2 satellites are equipped with the Tesat-Spacecom’s laser communication terminal. The SpaceDataHighway is being implemented within a Public-Private Partnership between ESA and Airbus Defense and Space.
(Image provided with Airbus Defense and Space news release)
More News
Aero Linx: Model Aeronautical Association of Australia MAAA clubs are about fun flying, camaraderie and community. For over 75 years, the MAAA has been Australia’s largest fl>[...]
Touchdown Zone Lighting Two rows of transverse light bars located symmetrically about the runway centerline normally at 100 foot intervals. The basic system extends 3,000 feet alon>[...]
“Discovery and innovation are central to our mission at Virgin Galactic. We’re excited to build on our successful record of facilitating scientific experiments in subor>[...]
How To Get A Story On Aero-TV News/Feature Programming How do I submit a story idea or lead to Aero-TV? If you would like to submit a story idea or lead, please contact Jim Campbel>[...]
Student Pilot Reported That During Rotation, “All Of A Sudden The Back Of The Plane Kicked To The Right..." Analysis: The student pilot reported that during rotation, “>[...]