The Sentinel-3 mission and its topography element

In the frame of GMES Program, ESA is currently starting the implementation phase of Sentinel-3 mission, which is intended to provide sustained Ocean and Land observation data over a period of 15 to 20 years. The Topography element of this mission will serve primarily the marine operational users but will also allow the monitoring of sea ice and land ice, as well as in- land water surfaces, using novel observation techniques. The launch date for this mission is currently foreseen mid 2012.