What is the Copernicus Programme?
The Copernicus program, initiated by the European Union, provides accurate and timely data on Earth’s environment. Utilizing a network of satellites and ground-based systems, it monitors climate change, land, sea, and air conditions, supporting sustainable development and enhancing public safety across Europe and globally
Iceland and Copernicus
FPCUP, or the Framework Partnership Agreement on Copernicus User Uptake, is an initiative funded by the European Union. It aims to initiate more use of Copernicus data and services in Iceland and raise awareness about social and economical benefits that Iceland can get from Copernicus.
CAMS NCP Iceland aims to enhance Iceland’s air quality monitoring and public awareness of environmental challenges like dust storms and volcanic ash. By integrating CAMS data with in-situ measurements, the project provides valuable insights into atmospheric conditions.
CORINE is a Copernicus initiative focused on land cover mapping across Europe. It provides detailed data on land use changes, crucial for environmental planning and monitoring. Iceland participates in CORINE by contributing data on its unique landscapes, aiding in tracking changes due to natural events and human activities.
Launched in June 2025, Blue North is Iceland’s first project under the Copernicus Marine National Collaboration Programme (Lot 3). Lead by the University of Iceland in collaboration with the Natural Science Institute of Iceland and the Icelandic Ocean Cluster. It aims to boost marine data literacy and user engagement, supporting national implementation of EU policies.
Opportunities
Discover the ocean around Iceland! With Copernicus Marine data, you gain insight into currents, temperature, ice, and ecosystems that help us understand changes and protect the ocean’s resources.
See iceland from above, learn about the changes and discover new perspectives in the Copernicus archive.
Find the image of the day here.
Explore Copernicus services related to Iceland and discover how satellite data helps us understand and protect our environment, nature, and planet. Start your journey today!
Copernicus, powered by Sentinel satellites, provides real-time data on floods, droughts, fires, and volcanic eruptions, enabling rapid response and long-term resilience planning by delivering accurate, actionable insights during natural disasters.
Example: Holuhraun eruption 2014
Find out more how Copernicus is promoted through the FPCUP initiative. It is active in Iceland and around the globe to help users to start using Copernicus data and services.
Many opportunities are available through Copernicus to learn, develop, get support and funding for your project and ideas.
CASSINI is a European Union initiative that supports entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs in the space industry during the period 2021-2027. It covers all areas of the EU space program and includes a €1 billion growth fund, hackathons, prizes, an accelerator, and networking opportunities.
News from Iceland
- Viðburður: Notendaþing Hafþjónustu Copernicus á Íslandi
Þann 19. febrúar kl. 12:15 hjá islenska sjávarklanum verður Notendaþing Hafþjónustu Copernicus á Íslandi (Copernicus Marine User Forum Iceland) haldið og hefst á standandi hádegisverði. Þar kemur saman íslenska sjávar-… Read more: Viðburður: Notendaþing Hafþjónustu Copernicus á Íslandi - Copernicus Marine Survey
Copernicus Marine könnun hefur verið sett af stað á Íslandi til að læra meira um notendur og notkunartilvik á Íslandi. Gefðu okkur tækifæri til að læra hvernig við getum haldið… Read more: Copernicus Marine Survey - Call for Abstracts Now Open for ESSAS 2026 in ReykjavíkThe call for abstracts for the ESSAS 2026 Annual Science Meeting is scheduled to open in early December. Researchers, students, and professionals across the natural and social sciences will be… Read more: Call for Abstracts Now Open for ESSAS 2026 in Reykjavík
- Copernicus Hub Essentials
🌊 Copernicus Hubs Essentials – Ókeypis netnámskeið Taktu þátt í Copernicus Marine Service á ókeypis, tveggja hluta vefnámskeiði fyrir alla sem hafa áhuga á gervihnattagögnum. Lærðu að skoða, nálgast og… Read more: Copernicus Hub Essentials - Blue North – NCP Marine
Copernicus-verkefnið Blue North fær fjármagn til að efla þekkingu á sjávargögnum tengdum Íslandi. Verkefnið “Blue North: Building Copernicus Marine Literacy in Iceland” hefur fengið fjármagn frá Mercator Ocean International til… Read more: Blue North – NCP Marine
News – Copernicus & ESA
- Europe’s next-generation weather satellite sends back first images
- ESA’s Biomass goes live with data now open to all
- CLMS Webinar: Urban Atlas — Copernicus Land Monitoring Service
- VeneTo Stars Challenge 2026
- Earth from Space: Pantanal
- Arctic Weather Satellite paves way for constellation
- OBSERVER: From space to civil protection – How SUNSHINE supports disaster resilience in Europe
- AcubeSAT radiation test campaign at ESA ESTEC
- Smoke plumes from Chile wildfires seen by Sentinel-3
- Earth from Space: The fate of a giant
