Publié le 8 octobre 2026
Just two weeks after launch, Copernicus Sentinel-3C has returned its first images and measurements of Earth. Early results from its ocean and land colour instrument and radar altimeter show that the satellite is performing well as it moves through commissioning.
The first acquisitions include detailed views of Italy, the Canadian Arctic and the Caribbean, alongside measurements of sea-surface height and the elevation of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Together, they demonstrate the broad range of observations Sentinel-3C will provide over oceans, land and ice.
One of Sentinel-3C’s first images reveals Italy, the snow-covered Alps and surrounding Mediterranean seas in natural colour. Lighter waters along the Adriatic coast likely reflect sediment transported into the sea by rivers.
Image: Contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data (2026), processed by ESA
The satellite’s first altimetry measurements are equally encouraging. Sentinel-3C has already mapped sea-surface height across the Atlantic and Mediterranean and measured the elevation of the Greenland Ice Sheet, with results closely matching existing reference datasets.
Once commissioning is complete, Sentinel-3C will join the operational Sentinel-3 constellation, supporting applications ranging from marine and climate monitoring to vegetation, wildfires, inland waters and the cryosphere.
The mission also has a strong EUMETSAT dimension. After commissioning, Sentinel-3 is jointly managed by ESA and EUMETSAT: EUMETSAT takes responsibility for routine satellite operations and the delivery of marine and atmospheric data, while ESA provides land, cryosphere, inland-water and offline atmospheric products.
Based on: European Space Agency (ESA), Sentinel-3C returns its first views of Earth, 8 October 2026.