European Remote-Sensing Satellite (ERS)

ESA’s two European Remote Sensing (ERS) satellites, ERS-1 and –2, were launched into the same orbit in 1991 and 1995 respectively. Their payloads included a synthetic aperture imaging radar, radar altimeter and instruments to measure ocean surface temperature and wind fields.

ERS-2 added an additional sensor for atmospheric ozone monitoring. The two satellites acquired a combined data set extending over two decades.

The ERS-1 mission ended on 10 March 2000 and ERS-2 was retired on 05 September 2011.

Further Information:

• ERS-homepage at ESA
• ERS operations page at ESA

Software Provided:

• ERS1 - ATSR
• Language:  Fortran, assembler
• OS / platform:  PDP11

• Potential of satellite altimetry over non-ocean surfaces (study)
• Language:  Fortran
• OS / platform:  Vax VMS