The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded Thales Alenia Space a contract to develop and construct the Sentinel-1 Next Generation satellites, marking the next phase of Europe’s Copernicus program for Earth observation. The agreement, valued at 700 million Euros, was finalized on June 10, 2026, at the ILA Berlin Air Show and covers the initial project stage.
Thales Alenia Space Italy will lead the satellite development as prime contractor. In parallel, Airbus Defence and Space in Germany will be responsible for building the C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR), the crucial instrument enabling the satellites to capture images of the Earth’s surface.
The Sentinel-1 mission has been operational since 2014 and has become a cornerstone of the Copernicus program. Between 2014 and 2025, four first-generation satellites were launched. Unlike optical satellites, which rely on sunlight and can be hindered by cloud cover, radar satellites possess the capability to observe the planet regardless of weather conditions, functioning day and night.
The data collected by these satellites serves a wide array of applications. They are instrumental in monitoring floods and landslides, tracking the progression of polar ice, observing ground deformations caused by seismic activity or volcanic eruptions, and monitoring phenomena such as deforestation.
The New Generation of Sentinel-1
The forthcoming Sentinel-1 Next Generation satellites will build upon the legacy of the existing Sentinel-1 constellation, ensuring the continuity of these vital services for years to come. However, their impact will extend beyond mere replacement; they will introduce significant performance enhancements.
A key improvement lies in image resolution. The next-generation satellites will be capable of observing the Earth’s surface with four times greater detail than the current Sentinel-1 satellites. The resolution will increase from 5 meters x 20 meters to 5 meters x 5 meters, allowing for a much finer distinction of terrestrial features.
Observation coverage will also be expanded. The new satellites will be more effective in monitoring polar regions, areas of increasing importance for the study of climate change.
With Sentinel-1 Next Generation, Europe aims to maintain and bolster its capabilities in Earth’s radar observation. The data gathered by these advanced satellites will continue to feed Copernicus services and will be utilized by researchers, public bodies, and organizations involved in environmental protection, security, and emergency management.
