Europe's Sentinel-3 Earth Satellite Network: Fire Monitoring | EUMETSAT

Europe's Sentinel-3 Earth Satellite Network: Fire Monitoring | EUMETSAT

As climate change causes hotter summers, intense heatwaves, and droughts, wildfires in Europe and globally are becoming more extreme. In this video, learn how the Copernicus Sentinel-3 satellite mission provides near-real-time data to detect active fires, to track smoke plumes traveling thousands of kilometers across oceans, and to assess impacts on air quality.

From civil protection and emergency responders to atmospheric forecasters and climate researchers, Sentinel-3 data delivers the reliable observations needed to help protect lives and livelihoods.

The upcoming launch of Sentinel-3C will ensure the long-term continuity of these vital Earth observation services.

The Copernicus Sentinel-3 mission consists of two satellites with a third satellite due to launch on board a Vega-C launcher from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana no earlier than September 14, 2026.

EUMETSAT operates the Sentinel-3 satellites, in cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA), and delivers the marine and atmospheric data on behalf of the European Union. 

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.

Learn more: 

https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/what-is-climate-change

Sentinel-3:
https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Copernicus/Sentinel-3

The European Space Agency's Copernicus Earth Observation Program: 
https://sentinel.esa.int/web/sentinel/copernicus/

The European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) is an intergovernmental organization created through an international convention agreed by a current total of 30 European Member States. EUMETSAT's primary objective is to establish, maintain and exploit European systems of operational meteorological satellites. EUMETSAT is responsible for the launch and operation of the satellites and for delivering satellite data to end-users as well as contributing to the operational monitoring of climate and the detection of global climate changes.

The activities of EUMETSAT contribute to a global meteorological satellite observing system coordinated with other space-faring states.

Video Credit: European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT)
Duration: 3 minutes
Release Date: Sept. 11, 2026

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