The Copernicus Sentinel-1C satellite has arrived safely at Thales Alenia Space plant in Cannes on the French Riviera, after being shipped from Rome, Italy. The satellite successfully completed all integration tests this summer in Rome followed by environmental tests including thermal-vacuum and mechanical vibration. These tests are designed to reproduce in-orbit thermal conditions, as well as the mechanical and acoustic stress Sentinel-1 will experience during launch.

It will now undergo a final series of tests in Cannes, including Radio Frequency functional checks in the facility’s anechoic chamber.

Sentinel-1C is the third Sentinel-1 satellite to be launched as part of Europe’s Copernicus programme. It will continue the critical task of delivering radar imagery for a wide range of services, applications and science – all of which benefit society.