Celebrating 10 years of Copernicus Sentinel-3A
Today, 16 February 2026, Copernicus Sentinel-3A marks ten years in orbit. Since its launch in 2016, the satellite has contributed to the continuity of European ocean and climate records, supporting the long-term observation of environmental change at global scale.
Acquired on 19 January 2026, this image from Sentinel-3A’s Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) shows the Wadden Sea along the German and Danish coasts. The scene demonstrates the instrument’s unique ability to observe both marine and terrestrial environments in a single pass. Total suspended matter in coastal waters appears in intense reds and oranges, revealing sediment-rich plumes shaped by tidal currents and river discharge. Concentrations decrease offshore, fading into yellows and blues. At the same time, inland areas are clearly visible in natural colours: agricultural fields, wetlands and urban zones form a intricate land mosaic.
Alongside the OLCI, the Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer (SLSTR) Instrument on board Copernicus Sentinel-3A measures sea- and land-surface temperature with high accuracy. While OLCI detects variations in ocean colour linked to suspended matter and biological activity, SLSTR provides high-precision data on sea- and land-surface temperature across the same regions.
Together, these complementary observations provide comprehensive information on water quality, surface temperature, and land conditions. This integrated approach supports the monitoring of coastal dynamics, marine ecosystems, and climate-related processes across interconnected land–sea ecosystems.
