Sentinel-3A is a European Space Agency Earth observation satellite dedicated to oceanography which launched on 16 February 2016.

After completing initial commissioning, each satellite was handed over to EUMETSAT for the routine operations phase of the mission.

[9] The spacecraft arrived at Talagi Airport aboard an Antonov An-124 on 28 November.

[10][11] By 17 December, Sentinel-3A completed pre-launch testing and was placed into storage for the Christmas break, lasting until 11 January 2016.

It made its first picture on 29 February 2016, capturing Svalbard island along with a part of the arctic ice pack near solar terminator.