New Copernicus Satellite Strengthens Earth Observation Programme
The Sentinel-1 mission now features two identical satellites in orbit, imaging Earth's surface every six days. Sentinel-1D will replace Sentinel-1A after an overlapping operational phase and, together with Sentinel-1C, will form the latest satellite pair. The radar instrument on Sentinel-1D was built by Airbus in Friedrichshafen and its calibration is supported by the DLR SAR Calibration Center in Oberpfaffenhofen.
Copernicus, Europe's leading Earth observation initiative, relies on the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) instrument aboard Sentinel-1 satellites to capture high-resolution images day and night, regardless of weather. These images serve climate research, environmental management, and disaster response, and can detect ground movements, landslides, oil spills, and vessel activity.
Recent Sentinel-1 data revealed that approximately 75 percent of the global fishing fleet operates outside public tracking systems, creating challenges for marine resource management and safety. DLR teams in Oberpfaffenhofen are involved in commissioning and calibrating Sentinel-1D, employing refined measurement techniques previously developed for TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X missions.
High-precision transponders and corner reflectors covering a swath over 100 kilometres west of Munich act as calibration standards. DLR's Earth Observation Center adjusts the radar instrument, monitors image quality and noise levels, and verifies data for interferometric analysis. This work begins before the satellite's commissioning and continues through its operational life.
Interferometry is used to calculate small surface movements by comparing radar images over time, identifying risks from subsidence, landslides and volcanic reactivation.
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