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Sentinel-1A

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description Sentinel-1A Overview

Sentinel-1A is a European Space Agency Earth observation satellite launched in 2014 as part of the Copernicus Programme. It operates a C-band synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) instrument, allowing it to collect day-and-night all-weather imagery of the planet's surface. The spacecraft's data is used for monitoring Arctic sea-ice, marine environments, mapping forests, and supporting disaster response efforts.

help Sentinel-1A FAQ

How can Sentinel-1A take images through clouds and at night?

Sentinel-1A uses C-band synthetic-aperture radar, which supplies its own microwave signal instead of relying on sunlight. Those wavelengths can collect useful surface data through cloud cover during both day and night.

When and where was Sentinel-1A launched?

Sentinel-1A launched on April 3, 2014, aboard a Soyuz rocket from Europe's spaceport in French Guiana. It became the first satellite in the Copernicus Sentinel-1 radar mission.

What is Sentinel-1A used to monitor?

Its radar observations support mapping of sea ice, floods, earthquakes, ground deformation, forests, and maritime activity. Because repeat images reveal surface changes, the data are especially valuable for disaster response and environmental monitoring.

What happened to Sentinel-1B, Sentinel-1A's companion satellite?

Sentinel-1B suffered a power-system failure in late 2021 and could no longer deliver radar data. ESA later ended its mission, leaving Sentinel-1A to continue observations while replacement spacecraft were prepared.

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