Europe’s Sentinel-1A synthetic aperture radar satellite has collected its final data.

A little over 12 years after it was launched, the Sentinel-1A mission officially came to an end on 29 June.

One of the venerable spacecraft’s last tasks was to make a strip-mode image of Melbourne (see below).

Originally designed with a seven-year lifetime, the satellite exceeded all expectations… a testament to the people who built and operated it.

And that longevity came in very handy when its sibling spacecraft, Sentinel-1B, suffered a major failure in 2021, forcing Sentinel-1A to step into the breach.

Now, with the -1C and -1D spacecraft in orbit and working away, the time has come to say goodbye to -1A.

“As we bid farewell to this remarkable satellite, we celebrate an extraordinary legacy and look forward with confidence as Sentinel-1C and Sentinel-1D carry that legacy into the years ahead,” said Simonetta Cheli.

Sentinel-1A’s extraordinary legacy

“Sentinel-1A holds a special place for all of us,” said ESA’s Sentinel-1 Mission Manager, Nuno Miranda.

“As the first satellite of the Copernicus program, it paved the way for new approaches in both operations and science. Over the years, it has weathered several disruptions and challenges,” he said.

“After years of outstanding service, Sentinel-1A has earned a well-deserved retirement.

“The team is now preparing for the disposal phase, which is expected to begin during the [northern] summer.”

Carrying their C-band synthetic aperture radars, the Sentinel-1D and Sentinel-1C satellites are fully operational in Earth orbit, spaced 180° apart.

And as Spatial Source reported last month, contracts have been signed for work to begin on the next generation of Sentinel-1 spacecraft.