The European Union’s Earth observation capabilities are about to take another leap forward as Sentinel-1D, the latest addition to the Copernicus satellite family, prepares for launch on 4 November 2025
The satellite will lift off aboard Ariane 6 from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, heading to a polar orbit approximately 700 kilometres above Earth.
This launch marks a significant step in ensuring the continuity and resilience of Copernicus Services, supporting a range of applications from disaster response to climate monitoring.
Monitoring the planet
Sentinel-1D is part of the Sentinel-1 mission, which uses radar technology to deliver high-resolution images of Earth’s surface regardless of weather conditions or time of day. These radar images are essential for a wide variety of applications:
- Tracking sea ice and oil spills
- Mapping land use changes and agricultural activities
- Monitoring soil moisture
- Detecting land deformation, such as subsidence or landslides
- Supporting emergency response to natural disasters like floods and earthquakes
Because radar systems can penetrate cloud cover and operate at night, Sentinel-1D will provide reliable and consistent observations, which are critical in regions with frequent cloud cover or limited daylight.
Improving Copernicus services
The data collected by Sentinel-1D will be directly fed into various Copernicus Services, which rely on satellite imagery for real-time monitoring and decision-making support. Key services include:
- Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS) – Used for rapid flood mapping and disaster response
- Copernicus Maritime Surveillance (CMS) – Detects oil spills and vessel movements
- Copernicus Marine Service (CMEMS) – Monitors sea ice and iceberg drift, aiding navigation
- Copernicus Land Monitoring Service (CLMS) – Tracks forest cover, crop health, and land use
A significant feature of Sentinel-1 data is its use in interferometric processing, which allows scientists to detect minute ground movements. Through the European Ground Motion Service (EGMS), authorities can monitor volcanic activity, earthquakes, and infrastructure stability, helping to prevent or manage environmental hazards.
New technology for precision and security
Sentinel-1D comes with technological enhancements. It is equipped with a Galileo-enabled receiver, which improves the accuracy of the satellite’s position in orbit. This ensures more precise geolocation of imagery on the ground.
The satellite also carries an Automatic Identification System (AIS) payload that detects signals from ships. This enhances maritime domain awareness, including the monitoring of unauthorised or illegal activities at sea, such as unregistered fishing or violations of shipping routes.
Sentinel-1D joins its sibling, Sentinel-1C, which launched in December 2024. Together, these satellites maintain the continuity of observations as older Sentinel-1 satellites approach the end of their operational lifetimes.
Europe is expanding its ability to independently launch and operate its satellites, a move that enhances the EU’s strategic autonomy and reduces reliance on external providers for critical Earth observation data.
Sentinel-1D’s capabilities will be crucial for continued monitoring of rapidly changing environments, including sensitive regions like Antarctica. For example, ongoing radar data has been tracking the Thwaites Glacier, offering insights into climate change and its long-term impacts on global sea levels.
With Sentinel-1D soon joining the orbital fleet, Europe’s Earth observation system is set to become more robust, accurate, and responsive.
