How radar satellites see through clouds and darkness to monitor Earth's changing surface
The Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission uses advanced radar technology to capture continuous, high-resolution imagery of our planet. By piercing through weather and darkness, this satellite constellation provides critical data for tracking natural hazards, maritime safety, and structural shifts that would otherwise remain invisible to us.
Equipped with C-band synthetic aperture radar, Sentinel-1 functions day and night, regardless of cloud cover. This capability allows researchers to detect minute changes on Earth's surface, such as ground movement, which is vital for assessing subsidence risks, urban planning, and infrastructure resilience. The mission also plays a key role in monitoring volcanic activity, landslides, and earthquakes.
Beyond geohazards, the mission supports maritime safety by tracking sea ice and icebergs. The video features insights from ESA experts, including Head of Mission Sciences Division Mark Drinkwater, Project Manager Ramon Torres Cuesta, and Mission Scientist Julia Kubanek, who discuss how this long-term data collection advances our understanding of Earth's dynamic landscape.
