ERS-1, European remote-sensing satellite was launched 20 years ago

Studies and predevelopments started in the early 80´s for ERS, the first European remote-sensing satellite. ERS-1 was launched 17 July 1991. It has been operated until 10 March 2000. ERS-1 observed the Earth later on in tandem with ERS-2, (a similar satellite) which has been launched in 1995. Initially designed for maritime applications, these remote sensing satellites have produced very exciting results for land applications. Interferometry has been developed. ERS-2 is operated until end June 2011 clearly exceeding its operational lifetime. The paper recalls the satellite configuration with its antennas and results. Recently we had a “deviating“ observation with ERS-2 carried out on 12 April 2011 (50 years after Yu. Gagarin made as a first human a travel in space around the Earth), which will be described.