What is Sentinel-3?
Sentinel-3 is primarily an ocean mission, however, the mission is also able to provide atmospheric and land applications. The mission provides data continuity for the ERS, Envisat and SPOT satellites. Sentinel-3 makes use of multiple sensing instruments to accomplish its objectives; SLSTR (Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer), OLCI (Ocean and Land Colour Instrument), SRAL (SAR Altimeter), DORIS, and MWR (Microwave Radiometer).
Mission News
Satellites and machine learning for water management09 April 2020Freshwater is vital to life – but a growing global population, economic development and the effects of climate change are putting mounting pressure on this precious finite resource. Globally, agriculture accounts for 70% of all freshwater consumed, so efficient water management is essential. 
Australia: like a furnace09 January 2020Ferocious bushfires have been sweeping across Australia since September, fuelled by record-breaking temperatures, drought and wind.
Mission Details
Launch Date:
Operational lifepsan: Mission objectives:
Mission Orbit:
Orbit Type: Sun-synchronous Payload:
Resolution and Swath Width:
Configuration: In addition to the observation instruments, the Sentinel-3 spacecraft will carry the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and LRR (Laser Retro Reflector) instruments. GNSS will provide precise orbit determination and can track multiple satellites simultaneously. LRR will be used to accurately locate the satellite in orbit using a laser ranging system. The dimensions of the craft are: 3.7 x 2.2 x 2.2 m with a weight (at time of launch) of 1250 kg. Launch vehicle: Rockot (Sentinel-3A and -3B) Operator: EUMETSAT Contractors:
Thales Alenia Space is the prime contractor, responsible for constructing the spacecraft and the SRAL instrument, as well as contributing to the supply of the SLSTR instrument. |
Key Resources
Key resources for the Sentinel-3 mission are available via the Sentinel Online website.
ESA Mission Continuity
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