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Although both constellations and clusters refer to groups of satellites, they serve different purposes. A satellite constellation refers to a network of satellites on similar orbits that collaborate to achieve a common goal, such as global communication or Earth observation. These satellites are strategically positioned to avoid overlapping coverage and interference.

Sentinel-2C Mission Overview Launched on September 5th, 2024, Sentinel-2C is part of the European Union's Copernicus Programme—an extensive network of Earth-observing satellites designed to monitor the environment, land use, and coastal waters. However, once a month, Sentinel-2C shifts its focus from Earth to the Moon for a "Moon calibration" procedure. This routine calibration is critical for ensuring the radiometric accuracy of the satellite's instruments.

BlackSky expands into space domain awareness through strategic partnership with hEO HEO specializes in NEI and space analytics . The newly established partnership integrates BlackSky’s satellite constellation into HEO’s sensor network. This collaboration enables capturing space objects data, especially over the middle latitudes of Earth, using previously unused satellite capacity when satellites are passing over oceans or during eclipse phases.

Near Infrared: A key tool for vegetation and crop health monitoring The Near Infrared band is particularly useful in agriculture for crop health monitoring and assessing the overall condition of vegetation. In general it is used for assesment of the condition of vegetation. It is possible due to NIR’s strong correlation with the plants’ chlorophyll level. Healthy plants with high levels of chlorophyll are able to reflect the NIR light very efficiently.

New satellite images expose the dramatic landscape of flooded areas Satellite maps, available in the OnGeo Intelligence Satellite Image Report , precisely depict the flood-affected regions. The extent of the flooded areas significantly exceeds previous estimates, further emphasizing the importance of this data for effective crisis management.

Passive and active Earth observation satellites Among the different types of sensors monitoring the Earth from satellites the most important distinction can be drawn between optoelectronic and radar satellites . The optoelectronic satellites are equipped with passive sensors in many ways similar to cameras that we use every day taking pictures with our smartphones.

New Addition to Copernicus Fleet Promises Enhanced Climate Change Monitoring and Environmental Management Sentinel-2C joins its predecessors in the Copernicus constellation, reinforcing Europe's capacity to monitor environmental changes, support agricultural practices, and aid in disaster management. This launch ensures the continuity of vital data streams that have become indispensable for addressing global challenges.

What is Earth Observation? In its simplest form, Earth Observation is a way to collect information about Earth via space satellites. These satellites hover the outside of Earth, taking photos, to send the data back to The Earth’s surface for study. In the earlier days, the information was often used to track larger issues, like environmental changes or disaster tracking. As time went by, people became creative with the use of Earth Observation data.

Sentinel-2 Satellites The Sentinel-2 program includes two satellites: Sentinel-2A , which was launched in June 2015, and Sentinel-2B , which joined it in March 2017. Both satellites operate in sun-synchronous orbits, meaning they pass over the same point on Earth at the same time each day.