How a 2.3-tonne radar satellite conquered the journey to orbit
In short: Watch the precise choreography of a Soyuz rocket as it delivers Sentinel-1A into space. This footage captures the critical sequence of stages and separations required to place a vital environmental monitor into a sun-synchronous orbit.
Launched on April 3, 2014, from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, Sentinel-1A represents the first satellite of Europe's Copernicus programme. The mission utilizes advanced radar technology to scan the Earth's surface regardless of lighting or weather conditions, providing essential data on oil spills, sea ice, and land-use changes.
The 2.3-tonne satellite reached a 693 km altitude orbit following a 617-second burn by the Fregat upper stage. The journey involved a series of timed separations: the first stage at 118 seconds, the fairing at 209 seconds, stage 2 at 287 seconds, and the upper assembly at 526 seconds.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Sentinel-1A rides into space on a Soyuz
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/space-sentinel-1a-rides-into-space-on-a-soyuz.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Space · Latest · A–Z · All topics
