Equipped with advanced radar technology, the Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission delivers continuous, all-weather, day-and-night imaging of Earth’s surface, setting new standards for spaceborne radar. The Sentinel-1 constellation consists of two satellites in the same orbit but positioned 180° apart to optimise global coverage and data delivery.

The first satellite, Sentinel-1A, launched in April 2014, was followed by Sentinel-1B in 2016. Sentinel-1C and Sentinel-1D introduce new capabilities for detecting and monitoring maritime traffic, thanks to their integrated Automatic Identification System (AIS). This system comprises four onboard antennas designed to capture signals transmitted by ships, which include crucial details such as a vessel's identity, location and direction of passage, enabling precise tracking.  A notable advantage of this radar-based monitoring is its ability to detect ships even if they are not broadcasting AIS signals. Such ‘silent’ vessels could potentially indicate illegal activity, prompting further investigation by maritime authorities. This enhanced functionality significantly strengthens efforts to ensure maritime safety and security.

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