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BBC: The first of a series of Sentinel satellites is scheduled to launch today at 5:02pm EDT from French Guiana. Developed by the European Space Agency, the satellites are part of the ESA’s Copernicus Earth observation program. The system is designed to capture radar images of Earth in order to monitor environmental conditions, such as the extent of flood waters and ground movement over time. With an initial investment of €7.5 billion ($10.3 billion), Copernicus is the biggest Earth observation project to date. The data it collects will be made freely available so that policymakers and public authorities can better develop environmental legislation and policies and handle emergencies, including natural disasters.
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ESA’s first Sentinel satellite to launch today Free
3 April 2014