BAKGRUNN (fra Kommisjonens pressmelding 28.10.2009, engelsk utgave)

EU space missions to strengthen earth observation for Climate and SecurityBackground:
The GMES Space Component comprises 6 series of earth observation Sentinels for a total of 12 missions so far:

• Sentinel 1: a satellite constellation providing all-weather capability, being useful for land applications and providing overview data under adverse weather conditions for emergency response and security. Launch: Mid-2012.
• Sentinel 2: a satellite constellation useful for land applications and provides overview data for emergency response and security. Launch: 2013.
• Sentinel 3: a satellite constellation made for global land and ocean colour and sea-level monitoring. Launch: 2013.
• Sentinel 4: atmospheric composition monitoring instruments to be embarked onboard EUMETSAT spacecraft. Launch: 2017.
• Sentinel 5: atmospheric composition monitoring instruments to be embarked onboard EUMETSAT spacecraft for the post EUMETSAT Polar Orbiting System. Launch: 2019.
• Jason-CS mission: high-precision altimetry mission in support of ocean surface topography as a follow-up on to the Jason series and particularly significant for climate change.

To further develop the programme, today’s communication proposes also: