Remote sensing applications benefit from the use of data fusion approaches based on spectral unmixing, which have proven their value for delivering spectrally consistent fused images while reducing the mixed pixel problem. In this study the scientists propose a multi-temporal setting of the algorithm that is applied to full MERIS and Landsat TM time series. The final goal is to complete or fill gaps in the Landsat time series by using MERIS data with more frequent coverage. Hence obtaining consistent time series at high spatial resolution and with the enhanced spectral properties of MERIS.

ESA is sponsoring an initiative to explore the possible benefits that the Copernicus programme’s Sentinel satellites can bring to geo-information communities in over 20 European countries.

Europe's ambitious global environmental monitoring programme will now be able to move into operation thanks to the European Parliament's approval of the multiannual financial framework budget for 2014-20.

Good news for Europe's Global Monitoring for Environment and Security programme: the European Council has secured the programme's EU funding through 2020.

In May 2012, two earthquakes struck Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, claiming at least 27 lives and causing widespread damage. Through GMES, damage assessment maps derived from satellite data were promptly produced to assist emergency response activities.

After two decades of satellite observations, an international team of experts brought together by ESA and NASA has produced the most accurate assessment of ice losses from Antarctica and Greenland to date. This study finds that the combined rate of ice sheet melting is increasing.

Scientists have gathered in the 'floating city' this week to talk about radar altimetry - measuring the heights of the global sea surface, freshwater bodies, land and ice using spaceborne sensors.

The loss of the Envisat satellite is affecting services by Europe's Global Monitoring for Environment and Security programme. Efforts are being coordinated with other space agencies to fill some of the gaps, but the situation adds further urgency to launch the Sentinel missions.

ESA and Eurockot today signed contracts for launching two ESA satellites: Sentinel-2A and Sentinel-3A will fly in 2013 on Rockot vehicles from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia for Europe’s GMES programme.

ESA and Arianespace have signed contracts for the launches of two of ESA's Sentinel satellites. Arianespace will launch Sentinel-2B and Sentinel-3B on Europe's new Vega rocket from French Guiana.