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.
Opportunities
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
- 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 - Nýi Wekeo Light vafrinn
Möguleikinn á að skoða Copernicus-gögnin frá nýju sjónarhorni er kominn! Nýi Wekeo Light vafrinn gerir notendum kleift að kanna gagnasöfn Copernicus með áður óþekktri einfaldleika. Check it out here: The… Read more: Nýi Wekeo Light vafrinn - New ERA explorer app is here
Check it out here: ERA Explorer. The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) has launched the ERA Explorer app, providing Icelanders with easy access to over 85 years of global climate… Read more: New ERA explorer app is here - Successful Hackathon
English The Copernicus Ocean Hackathon 2025 in Iceland was a success. With around 60 participants, both on site and online the teams have tackled some hard challenges using Copernicus data.… Read more: Successful Hackathon
News – Copernicus & ESA
- TRACE student team selected for the October 2025 Fly Your Satellite! test window
- Registration is open for the 2025–2026 European Astro Pi Challenge!
- EIRSAT-1: One small satellite, one giant leap for Irish spaceflight!
- Second MTG-Imager satellite passes thermal vacuum test
- Back to School 2025-2026: 5 projects to inspire your students
- New MetOp Second Generation weather satellite returns first data
- A new era in Forest and Land Cover Monitoring
- OBSERVER: The EU Space Programme Explained
- Algae bloom chlorophyll South Australia
- ESA data records help underpin climate change report
