Sentinel-3C returns first images and measurements, with five months of testing ahead
Europe’s Copernicus Sentinel-3C has sent back its first images of Italy, the Canadian Arctic and the Caribbean, along with initial measurements of sea-surface height and Greenland’s ice sheet. ESA says the early data show the satellite’s instruments are performing well; commissioning is expected to take another five months before routine operations begin.
Bottom line — Sentinel-3C’s altimeter measurements closely match reference data, and the satellite is due to join sea-level monitoring after commissioning.
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ESA says the satellite launched on 15 September and its first images were captured on 29 and 30 September.
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EUMETSAT says the colour instrument records reflected light in 21 bands, resolving features a few hundred metres across.
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ESA reports that Sentinel-3C’s altimeter measurements of the Greenland ice sheet, taken from 30 September to 4 October, closely match a reference elevation model.
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The altimeter’s first sea-surface measurements cover the Atlantic and Mediterranean; ESA says they compare well with existing measurements.
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ESA says Sentinel-3C will complement long-term sea-level records from Sentinel-6 and Jason once commissioned.
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EUMETSAT says the satellite’s temperature instrument is expected to deliver its first observations soon.