Sentinel-3C returns first images and sea-level measurements two weeks after launch
Europe’s Sentinel-3C has sent back its first images and measurements, showing Italy, the Canadian Arctic and the Caribbean while recording sea-surface and Greenland ice-sheet heights. ESA says the altimeter’s early readings match existing measurements; commissioning is expected to take another five months.
Bottom line — After commissioning, Sentinel-3C will add to long-term sea-level records alongside Sentinel-6 and Jason.
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The images were captured on 29 and 30 September, around two weeks after the satellite launched on 15 September.
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EUMETSAT says the colour instrument records reflected sunlight in 21 bands, with detail down to a few hundred metres.
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ESA says the altimeter’s Greenland measurements, taken from 30 September to 4 October, closely match a reference elevation model.
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The satellite will also measure the height of rivers, lakes, sea ice and land ice, according to ESA.
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EUMETSAT expects observations from the surface-temperature instrument to follow soon.