Sentinel 2 is the medium spatial resolution optical mission of the GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) programme, an initiative of ESA and the European Commission that aims to set up a lasting European network for the recording and analysis of environmentally and security-relevant data. From 2012 onwards, the 1.1-metric-ton satellite will circle the Earth in a sun-synchronous, polar orbit at an altitude of 786 kilometres, fully covering the planet’s landmasses in just ten days at a time. The multi-spectral instrument (MSI) will generate optical images in 13 spectral channels in the visible and short-wave infrared range down to a resolution of 10 metres with an image swath of 290 kilometres. Astrium´s Friedrichshafen site is prime contractor to ESA for the Sentinel 2 mission
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