Europe's new Sentinel-3C satellite just sent back spectacular images of Earth
The European Sentinel-3C satellite has begun transmitting high-resolution images and environmental data shortly after reaching orbit. The mission is designed to monitor climate change by tracking ocean temperatures, ice sheet elevation, and vegetation health.
Why it matters
This satellite provides essential real-time data for climate research, weather forecasting, and environmental management on a global scale.
Just two weeks after reaching orbit, Europe's new Copernicus Sentinel-3C satellite has delivered its first spectacular images of Earth, revealing everything from the snow-covered Alps to the frozen Arctic and the brilliant turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
But the satellite is doing much more than taking beautiful pictures. Its instruments have also begun measuring ocean heights and the elevation of Greenland's massive ice sheet, providing an early demonstration of technology designed to monitor Earth's changing climate.
The first images and measurements come from two of Sentinel-3C's key instruments. Both are performing well in initial tests, bringing the satellite closer to its mission of tracking environmental changes across the planet.
A Powerful New Satellite to Monitor Earth's Changing Climate
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