Sentinel-3C sends back first Earth images and measurements
Sentinel-3C has sent back its first images and height measurements, giving ESA an early check on the satellite’s instruments before it enters routine service.
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The colour instrument captured part of the Caribbean on 29 September, followed a day later by views of Italy and part of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The observations came about two weeks after Sentinel-3C’s launch. [1]
The satellite’s radar altimeter also measured sea-surface height across the Atlantic and Mediterranean. ESA says a comparison with a Copernicus Marine Service sea-level product indicates that the instrument is performing well. Measurements taken over Greenland between 30 September and 4 October closely matched a reference elevation model, according to the agency. [1]
Sentinel-3C is the third satellite in a series designed to monitor the oceans, land, ice and atmosphere. Its first results are a step towards routine service, not the start of it: ESA says commissioning is still under way and expects the work to take another five months. [1]
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