In the era of planetary-scale challenges, Earth observation (EO) has become an indispensable tool. Whether informing climate action, advancing scientific research, or responding to natural disasters, Europe’s Copernicus Programme delivers high-quality, open, and timely satellite data to users around the world. But to maximise its impact, this vast stream of information needs more than just accessibility—it requires operational transparency, intelligent tools, and user confidence.
The SentiBoard developed and operated by ESA as part of the Copernicus Space Component (CSC), provides exactly that. It offers a single point of access for tracking the performance, coverage, and availability of data generated by the Sentinel satellite missions. As a user-oriented platform, it facilitates informed decision-making, improves planning, and strengthens trust in Europe’s most important Earth monitoring infrastructure.
New era of situational awareness
The SentiBoard represents a significant advancement in how EO data operations are visualised and understood. Rather than requiring users to interpret scattered logs or wait for periodic reports, the dashboard delivers real-time insights through a powerful and intuitive interface. It is a critical tool that bridges the operational backend of the Sentinel missions with the wider user community—from researchers and policy advisors to emergency responders and commercial service providers.
Designed to align with the goals of the evolving ESA Earth Observation Framework- Copernicus Space Component (EOF-CSC), the dashboard ensures that Earth observation data is not only collected and delivered efficiently, but also contextualised and traceable. Its modular structure and user-friendly design allow it to evolve alongside future missions and user needs, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of the EO data ecosystem.
Acquisition plans: a live global view
One of the most visually compelling features of the dashboard is the Acquisition Plans module. It showcases past, present, and future Sentinel acquisitions on an interactive 3D globe. With smooth navigation and detailed overlays, users can zoom into specific regions of the world, select a satellite mission, and examine the spatial footprint of imagery acquisitions over time.
This visualisation tool not only allows users to verify if their area of interest has recently been covered, but also helps them anticipate upcoming opportunities for data capture. Whether for long-term research or short-notice environmental monitoring, the globe-based view supports both retrospective analysis and forward planning—giving users the data take* availability at the Acquisition Stations in spatial and temporal context at a glance.
*The data take corresponds to the continuous sensing of a given area. The data take is downlinked from the satellite to the ground station according to the mission downlink capabilities. Data take can be downlinked in several portions in different locations.
Events impacting the operations
In any complex space mission, there are periods when systems must undergo calibrations, manoeuvres, or experience occasional disruptions. The Events section of the dashboard brings full transparency to these occurrences. It provides users with a chronological list of events from the past three months that may have influenced data production, along with descriptions of how each event affects satellite operations or product availability.
Crucially, this insight allows users to distinguish between product gaps caused by operational constraints and those due to natural phenomena or sensor limitations. Researchers, for example, can avoid drawing incorrect conclusions from incomplete datasets, while operational users can plan around known data availability windows. This transparency fosters trust and reduces the risk of misinterpretation.
Data availability: live product feed
One of the most frequently used features by the EO community is the Data Availability tab. These features address whether the data is available, delayed, or lost, based on the user's query. This module offers a continuously updated list of new data products delivered by the Sentinel missions. It enables users to browse and filter the list based on time, mission, and product type, and provides access to quick-look metadata and status indicators.
This function is essential for researchers and developers who depend on the most recent data for their workflows. By checking the availability feed, users can determine exactly when and where imagery becomes accessible—reducing latency and helping them make timely decisions. This streamlined access supports a wide range of operational use cases, from crop monitoring and air quality analysis to urban planning and disaster response.
Processors timeline
Data processing is at the core of turning raw satellite observations into usable information. The dashboard’s Processors section addresses a key concern among scientific users: how has the data been processed, and with what version of the algorithm? Displayed as an interactive timeline, the module outlines every processor release associated with the Sentinel missions.
Users can zoom in to specific timeframes, scroll through the timeline, and click on individual releases to view detailed notes about changes, improvements, and fixes. This feature supports reproducibility and scientific integrity, allowing users to verify exactly how a product was generated. For long-term research projects or operational chains that span multiple years, this level of traceability is invaluable.
Built for expansion and reliability
The development of the dashboard is a strategic milestone in the transformation of the EOF-CSC. As the number of Sentinel missions grows and data volumes continue to increase, the infrastructure behind the scenes must evolve to keep pace. The dashboard has been designed with this expansion in mind, offering the scalability and performance required to support future missions, more frequent acquisitions, and even greater product diversity.
Additionally, its architecture promotes modular updates and flexibility. New visualisation components or analytical tools can be introduced without disrupting core functions. This ensures that the platform remains aligned with emerging user needs and technical advancements—providing a long-term solution for Copernicus data governance and communication.
Impact across different domains
The benefits of the dashboard extend across sectors. Scientists can trace product lineage to ensure reproducibility. Emergency response teams can validate that a given area has been covered in near real time. Urban developers can monitor land cover changes without delay. And policymakers can verify delivery performance and operational continuity before drafting data-driven recommendations.
Moreover, by demystifying the status of Sentinel acquisitions and deliveries, the dashboard enables new users—such as students, NGOs, and start-ups—to engage with Copernicus data confidently. It removes entry barriers and makes the EO ecosystem more accessible, accountable, and actionable.
Built for the community
True to the Copernicus Programme’s philosophy of openness and inclusivity, the Operations Dashboard is publicly available. There are no access fees or restrictive licensing conditions. It exists to serve the community—whether that community is working on high-impact global research, local environmental management, or educational initiatives.
For questions, technical support, or collaboration, users are invited to contact the coordination team at [email protected]. This direct channel ensures that community feedback can be incorporated into the platform’s continuous improvement process.
As the demand for high-quality Earth observation continues to grow, so too must the systems that support it. The SentiBoard is a cornerstone of this evolution. It
brings clarity to complex operations, enhances user trust, and ensures that the valuable data delivered by the Sentinel missions is accompanied by the transparency and context users need.
By providing timely, detailed insights into satellite activity, product delivery, and processing history, the dashboard empowers its users to act with confidence—turning satellite data into meaningful, mission-critical insight.
The dashboard is more than a monitoring tool. It is a declaration: that Copernicus is committed not only to open data, but to open operations, open dialogue, and shared excellence.