Sentinel-1 Next Generation contract signature

The European Space Agency has awarded the contract to lead the development and build for two Copernicus Sentinel-1 Next Generation satellites to Thales Alenia Space. Building on the success of the current Sentinel-1 mission, the next-generation satellites will ensure the long-term continuity of Europe’s radar Earth observation capabilities while delivering enhanced performance.

Under the contract, signed today at the ILA Berlin Airshow, Thales Alenia Space in Italy, as prime contractor, will lead the development of the two identical satellites, with Airbus Defence and Space in Germany responsible for the satellites’ core instruments: C-band synthetic aperture radars.

Building on the success of Copernicus Sentinel-1, the Sentinel-1 Next Generation mission ensures the long-term continuity of Europe’s radar Earth observation capabilities while delivering enhanced performance. It not only secures the future supply of high-quality radar imagery, but also introduces a substantial leap in performance. Like its predecessors, it will be equipped with synthetic aperture radar technology, but in an advanced configuration.

Read full story: ESA awards contract to build Sentinel-1 Next Generation satellites