(VOVworld) – Sentinel 3A, the EU’s first ocean observing satellite was launched into orbit on Tuesday from Plesetsk, Russia.

(Photo: dw.com)

The 1,200 kilogram satellite built by Belgium’s Thales Alenia Space group will measure the temperature, color, and height of the sea surface, as well as the thickness of sea ice. These measurements will be used to monitor changes in the Earth’s climate and for more hands-on applications involving marine pollution and biological productivity. It will also benefit commercial activities, for example by measuring sea currents to inform fishing activities.