EU/air quality: the Sentinel-4 satellite of the Copernicus programme in orbit (European Commission)

The Sentinel-4 satellite of the Copernicus programme has been place in orbit on 01/07/2025, announced the European Commission on 02/07/2025.

This is the first Copernicus mission in geostationary orbit dedicated to observing atmospheric conditions over Europe. Sentinel-4 is equipped with a state-of-the-art UVN (Ultraviolet Visible Near-infrared) spectrometer, specifically designed to accurately measure major atmospheric pollutants such as ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), formaldehyde (HCHO), sulphur dioxide (SO₂) as well as aerosols.

" Once operational, the mission will provide essential hourly data on the composition of the atmosphere. This information will enable the Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service (CAMS) to provide real-time analysis to scientists, policy makers and environmental agencies. The mission contributes directly to EU environmental policies, in particular the Ambient Air Quality Directive and the Zero Pollution Action Plan," says the European Commission.

Copernicus is the Earth observation component of the European Union's space programme.