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.
Sentinel 1A is
the first satellite of the first of six families of dedicated satellite
missions, which will be launched between 2014 and 2021. See IP/14/357 and MEMO/14/251.
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.”
