Sentinel-1D reaches orbit on Ariane 6
The Sentinel-1 mission, a key component of the Copernicus Earth observation program, has expanded with the successful launch of Sentinel-1D. This satellite, the final member of the groundbreaking first generation, was placed into orbit on November 4, 2025, aboard an Ariane 6 launcher from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. The mission team received a crucial signal confirming the satellite's position in orbit at 23:22 CET, marking a significant milestone in the project.
Sentinel-1D will work alongside its twin, Sentinel-1C, to provide continuous, high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images of Earth's surface, regardless of weather conditions or time of day. This service is vital for disaster response, environmental monitoring, maritime safety, and climate science, among other applications. The satellites also carry an Automatic Identification System (AIS) instrument, enhancing the detection and tracking of ships over maritime zones.
The Sentinel-1 mission, launched in 2014, has revolutionized Earth observation with its systematic approach to data acquisition and the generation of high-quality radar data. This data has been instrumental in scientific studies and public services, offering insights into environmental changes, climate patterns, and more. For instance, Sentinel-1 can penetrate thick cloud cover to track disturbances in tropical forests and monitor subsidence and land shifts across Europe.
Sentinel-1D and Sentinel-1C will orbit on opposite sides of the globe, 180° apart, to optimize global coverage and data delivery. Both satellites are compatible with the Galileo navigation system and other Global Navigation Satellite Systems, and they will support the Earth Explorer Harmony mission. The mission's success is a testament to the collaboration between ESA, the European Commission, industry partners, and data users, showcasing Europe's technological prowess in space exploration.
