Sentinel-1A ends operational mission; Sentinel-1C/1D continue Copernicus radar coverage

After more than 12 years in orbit, Copernicus Sentinel 1A has concluded its operational mission, marking the end of a pioneering chapter in the European Union’s Earth observation programme.

Melbourne, Australia. The last Copernicus Sentinel-1 Stripmap (SM) acquisition, captured on 29 June 2026 at 19:42 UTC and processed by the European Space Agency.
After more than 12 years in orbit, Copernicus Sentinel-1A has concluded its operational mission, marking the end of a pioneering chapter in the European Union’s Earth observation programme.
Originally designed for a seven-year lifetime, the satellite significantly exceeded expectations, delivering over a decade of continuous radar observations in support of European policies, public services, scientific research and innovation.
Launched on 3 April 2014, Sentinel-1A was the first satellite of the Copernicus Sentinel family and helped establish the Copernicus programme, the Earth observation component of the European Union’s space programme. Since then, its data have supported services that directly benefit citizens, including flood response, wildfire monitoring, sea ice observation, maritime safety and land movement tracking.
While Sentinel-1A’s mission has ended, its role continues through Sentinel-1C and Sentinel-1D, which ensure the continuity of Europe’s radar Earth observation capability. Together, they strengthen the Copernicus programme and guarantee the ongoing delivery of reliable Earth observation data to support the European Union’s climate, environment and security priorities.
For more than a decade, Sentinel-1A provided consistent radar observations of the Earth’s surface, day and night and in all weather conditions. Its C band synthetic aperture radar enabled precise monitoring of environmental change across land and sea, supporting both operational services and scientific understanding.
Its observations have been used across Europe and globally to monitor sea ice and glaciers, map floods and ground deformation, detect oil spills and support disaster response. They have also supported agriculture, infrastructure monitoring, land use planning and maritime surveillance, improving resilience and decision making.
The satellite’s contribution was especially important after the loss of Sentinel 1B in 2021, when it ensured the continuity of Europe’s radar observations and uninterrupted Copernicus services for users across Europe and beyond.
In line with the Copernicus programme’s principles of free and open data access, Sentinel-1A’s observations are available worldwide. Millions of radar images now form a long-term archive that will continue to support research, innovation and evidence-based policy making for years to come.
On 29 June 2026, the European Space Operations Centre in Germany, operated by ESA, confirmed the end of Sentinel-1A’s operational mission. Its final images included radar views of Reykjavik and Melbourne, reflecting the global reach of Copernicus.
In the final phase of the mission, Sentinel-1C and Sentinel-1D were carefully positioned in orbit to ensure a seamless transition and the continued delivery of Copernicus radar data without interruption.
Sentinel-1C and Sentinel-1D now operate together, providing enhanced radar capabilities and improved global coverage. Alongside their C band synthetic aperture radar instruments, they also carry Automatic Identification System payloads, strengthening maritime monitoring and supporting safer and more secure oceans.
Although Sentinel-1A’s mission has ended, its legacy continues through the data it provided and the foundation it built for the next generation of Copernicus satellites. It remains a clear example of how the European Union’s space programme delivers tangible benefits to citizens and supports a more resilient and informed Europe.
Looking ahead, the Copernicus programme continues to expand its capabilities. Sentinel-3C is scheduled for launch this autumn, further strengthening Europe’s Ocean and land monitoring capacity. With the Sentinel-4 and Sentinel-5 missions launched last year, the Copernicus constellation is leveling up, ensuring a comprehensive and sustained European Union Earth observation system for the years ahead
Publication date
30 June 2026 (Last updated on: 30 June 2026)
Author
Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space