ESA TV Service – release of first Envisat images

Between now and 28 March, the ESA TV Service will provide a series of transmissions focusing on the first images and data from Envisat.

On 28 March, the first pictures of the Earth’s ‘health scan’ from Envisat, will be unveiled at ESA’s Establishment ESRIN in Frascati, Italy. These images are widely tipped to focus on global warming and the decay of the Antarctic ice sheet.

Following a successful launch by Ariane 5 from Europe’s space port in Kourou, French Guiana just after midnight on 1st March 2002, Envisat is getting ready to start its mission to monitor environmental pollution and climate change.

Over 200 ESA staff and scientists have been busy since the launch powering up the satellite and ensuring all instruments on board are turned on, calibrated and checked – ready to deliver the first batch of data. It will provide a glimpse of the exciting opportunities in environmental monitoring that should put Europe at the forefront of Earth observation.

Three different feeds will available (all A- and B-roll), as follows.

Fri 22 March, 19:45-20:00 GMT and Sat 22 March, 08:15-08:30 GMT on Europe by Satellite/Hot Bird:

Envisat launch summary: the best images of final launch preparations and lift-off on Ariane 5.

Tue 26 March, 10:15-10:30 GMT and 19:45-20:00 GMT on Europe by Satellite/Hot Bird:

The making of the first Envisat images: switch-on of the satellite, instrument performance, reception of the first data.

Thu 28 March, 10:30-11:00 GMT and 14:30-15:00 GMT on Eutelsat W1, XP B2, vertical, dig ch E, 10996.17 MHz, SR=6.1113 MS/sec, FEC=3/4, MPEG 4.2.2:

Envisat’s first health scan of the planet: first images and data, with explanations of the underlying stories by scientists and ESA experts.

For further information and a daily update of the transmission schedule, visit our website at http://television.esa.int. For all enquires, contact Claus Habfast, Tel +31 71 565 3838, Fax +31 71 565 6340, e-mail claus.habfast@esa.int.