NEWTOWN, Conn. -- The Copernicus program is on solid footing. Financing issues are behind it after the EU committed to funding the program in 2013. In 2017, the European Commission gave a positive assessment of the program, indicating it was pleased with the quality of data provided to the scientific community.
The primary source of data for the program is a family of Sentinel satellites. Data is supplemented by commercial satellites and satellites from other governments around the world. Six satellites launched between 2014 and 2017. Forecast International expects six additional satellites to launch by 2024. ESA has signed firm-fixed-price contracts with Airbus and Thales Alenia Space to build the satellites, an arrangement that will protect the agency from cost growth and also ensure that all satellites will be paid for. These satellites include replacements for first generation satellites that started launching in 2014.
Forecast International expects funding for the Copernicus program to continue well into the future. Satellites that are currently being launched have a lifespan of seven to eight years and will eventually need replacement. Contracts to replace Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellites have already been signed. Launch intervals of about eight years are most likely. Launches will continue well into the 2030s, even after current contracts are completed.
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