Sentinel-2C launched into orbit on 5 September at 03:50 CEST, marking a significant milestone for the Copernicus program. In the lead-up to this launc

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2024-09-05 06:00:09

Sentinel-2C launched into orbit on 5 September at 03:50 CEST, marking a significant milestone for the Copernicus program. In the lead-up to this launch, there has been considerable discussion within the Earth observation community, even sparking a petition advocating for the continued operation of Sentinel-2A.

This satellite, which has outperformed expectations, now faces potential decommissioning as Sentinel-2C prepares to assume its duties.

Should the successful launch of Sentinel-2C automatically lead to the decommissioning of a fully functional and still valuable Sentinel-2A?

One compelling argument for retaining Sentinel-2A in orbit is the enhanced capability of a constellation with three active Sentinel-2 satellites. This configuration would significantly increase revisit frequency, improving the temporal resolution of the data.

Upon launch, Sentinel-2C will enter a 3-6 month commissioning phase, during which its instruments will be calibrated and validated. Once fully operational, it is intended to replace Sentinel-2A, taking over its position in the constellation alongside Sentinel-2B.