- Copernicus observation program is the world’s largest earth observation programme.
- It is directed by the European Commission in partnership with ESA.
- It consists of constellation of seven Sentinel Earth observation satellites.
- The first satellite of the series was launched in April 2014.
- It aims at achieving a global, continuous, autonomous, high quality, wide range Earth observation capacity by providing accurate, timely and easily accessible information.
- It also aims at improving the management of the environment, understand and mitigate the effects of climate change, and ensure civil security.
- Copernicus observation program is successor of previous European Envisat program which operated from 2002 to 2012.