When Sentinel-1B is fully operational, the mission will be able to image every place on Earth every six days, offering increased coverage for operational and scientific applications. (Credit: ESA/ATG medialab)
The second satellite of the Sentinel-1 mission, Sentinel-1B, was successfully launched from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana on April 22, 2016. The Sentinel satellites, considered central to the EU's Copernicus program, help scientists manage the environment, understand and tackle the effects of climate change, and safeguard everyday lives.
Sentinel-1A was launched in April 2014, and its data have been used for monitoring Arctic sea-ice extent; routine sea-ice mapping; surveillance of the marine environment, including oil-spill monitoring and ship detection for maritime security; monitoring land surface for motion risks; mapping for forest, water and soil management; and mapping to support humanitarian aid and crisis situations.
