ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the European Space Agency (ESA) earth observation missions, their data policies and the relevant legal aspects. Envisat carries 10 sophisticated optical and radar instruments to provide continuous observation of the earth's land surface, atmosphere, oceans and ice caps. The Envisat Data Policy objectives were to maximise the beneficial use of Envisat data and to stimulate a balanced development of science, public-utility and commercial applications, consistent with the mission's objectives. The objective of Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) is to support Europe's goals regarding sustainable development and global governance of the environment, to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure civil security by providing timely and quality data, information and services. The data policy for the Sentinel missions developed by the Agency under the GMES Space Component, carried out in cooperation with the European Union (EU), will not be decided by ESA alone, but together with the EU.
