The European Space Agency(ESA) and Airbus confirmed the in-orbit operations of the Sentinel-4 instrument, integrated in the third-generation Meteosat MTG-S1 satellite. This spectrometer begins its mission from a geostationary orbit at 36,000 kilometers, where it will collect hourly atmospheric data over Europe and North Africa.
Environmental monitoring with the Meteosat MTG-S1 satellite
Developed by Airbus in Germany on behalf of ESA, the Sentinel-4 satellite is an essential part of the European Copernicus program European Copernicus program. Its mission is focused on measuring atmospheric pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, ozone, formaldehyde and particulate matter using high temporal frequency UV-VIS-NIR sensors . It will be operated by EUMETSAT, the entity responsible for the operation of meteorological satellites in Europe.
Sentinel-4 technology improves weather forecasting by complementing cloud and solar radiation data and enables environmental agencies and research centers to make more accurate pollution forecasts. By interfacing with the MTG-S1, the system provides a simultaneous view of meteorological phenomena and atmospheric chemical composition.
The data generated by Sentinel-4 will be available without restriction through the Copernicus network. This allows its use by both environmental policy makers and academic institutions. Continuous and geographically wide access is essential for assessing long-term impacts and anticipating pollution events.
ESA is preparing the second Sentinel-4 to be launched in the coming years on board the MTG-S2 satellite. In the meantime, Sentinel-4 on MTG-S1 initiates a new stage for European atmospheric monitoring from space.
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Source and photo: Airbus
