New Sentinel-1D satellite launch enhances global Earth monitoring capabilities

The Sentinel-1 mission has been bolstered by the successful launch of the Copernicus Sentinel-1D satellite, which took to the skies on November 4, 2025, at 22:02 CET (18:02 local time). The satellite was deployed using an Ariane 6 rocket from the European Spaceport located in French Guiana. This mission is instrumental in providing high-resolution radar imagery of the Earth’s surface, capable of operating in all weather conditions and during both day and night.

The data acquired by the Sentinel-1 satellites very important for various sectors, including disaster response organizations, environmental groups, maritime agencies, and climate researchers, who rely on timely updates to assess and manage critical situations. Sentinel-1D will complement the existing Sentinel-1C satellite, as both operate in the same orbital path but are positioned 180 degrees apart, enhancing global data acquisition and coverage.

Equipped with a C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system, Sentinel-1D captures detailed images of the Earth’s terrain. It also features an Automatic Identification System (AIS) designed to enhance ship detection and tracking capabilities. Once fully operational, this new satellite will significantly enhance the frequency of AIS data collection, offering insights into vessel identities, locations, and navigation directions for more precise maritime tracking.

The launch marked flight VA265 of the Ariane 6, adding another chapter to Europe’s ongoing efforts in Earth observation and monitoring through the Copernicus program.