Sentinel-2B
| Company type | Satellite |
|---|---|
| Industry | Earth observation |
| Founded | March 7, 2017 |
| Headquarters | European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) , Europe |
| Products | High-resolution multispectral imaging |
Sentinel-2B represents a European satellite designed for optical imaging, which was launched on 7 March 2017. As the second satellite in the Sentinel-2 series within the European Space Agency's Copernicus Programme, it operates in an orbit positioned 180° opposite to its twin, Sentinel-2A. The satellite is outfitted with a high-resolution multispectral imager covering a broad swath and encompassing 13 spectral bands. This equipment provides essential information for sectors like agriculture and forestry, enabling uses such as crop yield forecasting.
Mission history
In March 2010, ESA's Director of Earth Observation Programmes and the CEO of Astrium Satellites finalized a €105 million agreement for building the spacecraft. The assembly was finished by June 2016, after which it was delivered to the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) to undergo testing procedures.
Launch
On 6 January 2017, the satellite reached the Centre Spatial Guyanais to begin preparations ahead of launch. The launch took place on 7 March 2017 at 01:49:24 UTC via Vega flight VV09, achieving successful orbital insertion at 02:47:21 UTC.