Who operates Copernicus?

Copernicus Programme

What does Copernicus satellite do?

Copernicus is an EU programme aimed at developing European information services based on satellite Earth Observation and in situ (non space) data. Copernicus is a user driven programme and the information services provided are available to its Users, mostly public authorities, on a full, open and free-of-charge basis.

How many Sentinel satellites are there?

ESA is developing a new family of missions called Sentinels specifically for the operational needs of the Copernicus programme. Each Sentinel mission is based on a constellation of two satellites to fulfil revisit and coverage requirements, providing robust datasets for Copernicus services.

Is Copernicus data free?

Free and open access to Sentinel satellite data will be granted for the Copernicus operational phase. This Act provides free, full and open access to users of environmental data from the Copernicus programme, including data from the Sentinel satellites.

What was the original name of the Copernicus Programme?

The idea for a global and continuous European earth observation system was developed under the name of Global Monitoring for Environment and Security ( GMES) which was later re-branded into Copernicus after the EU became directly involved in financing and development.

Is the Copernicus data hub open to the public?

The Copernicus Open Access Hub (previously known as Sentinels Scientific Data Hub) provides complete, free and open access to Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, Sentinel-3 and Sentinel-5P user products, starting from the In-Orbit Commissioning Review (IOCR).

How does Copernicus contribute to global Earth observation system?

Copernicus is the European Union’s contribution to the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) thus delivering geospatial information globally. Some Copernicus services make use of OpenStreetMap data in their maps production.

Where can I find Sentinel data in Copernicus?

Sentinel Data are also available via the Copernicus Data and Information Access Services (DIAS) through several platforms . Please visit our User Guide for getting started with the Data Hub Interface. Discover how to use the APIs and create scripts for automatic search and download of Sentinels’ data.