The Envisat environmental satellite successfully reaches an orbit 800 kilometers (500 mi) above the Earth on its 11th launch, carrying the heaviest payload to date at 8500 kilograms (8.5 tons).

Known by the rather fitting moniker Envisat, or "Environmental Satellite," this colossal Earth-observing spacecraft, though now inactive and classified as space debris, once held the prestigious title of the world's largest civilian Earth observation satellite. Operated by the European Space Agency (ESA), Envisat was a monumental endeavor aimed at meticulously monitoring our planet's environment.

Launch and Pioneering Mission

The journey of Envisat began on March 1, 2002, when it soared into space aboard an Ariane 5 rocket from the Guyana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana. It was precisely placed into a Sun synchronous polar orbit at an impressive altitude of 790 ± 10 kilometers. From this unique vantage point, it diligently circled our planet approximately every 101 minutes, completing a full observation cycle every 35 days. This precise orbital path allowed Envisat to collect comprehensive data on Earth's land, atmosphere, oceans, and ice caps, providing invaluable insights into environmental changes for over a decade.

Mission's End and Enduring Legacy

After a decade of dedicated service, communication with Envisat was unfortunately lost on April 8, 2012. Following diligent efforts to re-establish contact, the ESA formally declared the end of its groundbreaking mission on May 9, 2012. The development and launch of Envisat represented a significant investment, costing an estimated 2.3 billion Euros, which included 300 million Euros specifically allocated for five years of operational expenses. While Envisat itself is now a silent presence in orbit, its legacy continues through the advanced Sentinel series of satellites. The first in this new generation, Sentinel 1, launched in 2014, has since taken over many of the crucial radar observation duties previously performed by Envisat, building upon the foundational work laid by its predecessor in monitoring our planet's health and evolution.

Frequently Asked Questions about Envisat

What is Envisat?
Envisat, short for "Environmental Satellite," was the world's largest civilian Earth observation satellite, operated by the European Space Agency (ESA). Its primary mission was to monitor various aspects of the Earth's environment.
When was Envisat launched and by whom?
It was successfully launched on March 1, 2002, by the ESA aboard an Ariane 5 rocket from the Guyana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana.
What was Envisat's orbit?
Envisat orbited Earth in a Sun synchronous polar orbit at an altitude of approximately 790 kilometers, completing an orbit in about 101 minutes with a 35-day repeat cycle, allowing it to cover the entire globe.
Why is Envisat considered space debris?
After contact was lost on April 8, 2012, and the mission officially concluded, the large, inactive Envisat satellite remains in orbit, thus classifying it as space debris due to its uncontrolled status.
What replaced Envisat's mission?
The Sentinel series of satellites has taken over and expanded upon Envisat's mission. Specifically, Sentinel 1, launched in 2014, has replaced its crucial radar observation duties.
How much did Envisat cost to develop and launch?
The total cost for the development and launch of Envisat amounted to 2.3 billion Euros, which included 300 million Euros earmarked for five years of its operational life.