Simon Proud
@simonsat.bsky.social
I work at the European Space Agency as the mission scientist for the Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-3 next generation missions.
I mainly post nice pictures of the Earth from space!
Note: Not an official ESA account, opinions are my own and mine alone!
Huge dust storms in Pakistan, seen by the @esa.int / @ec.europa.eu Sentinel-2B and Sentinel-3B satellites on 4th November.
Neither satellite was designed to monitor dust plumes, so it's impressive how much information they give us about the detail and extent of these storms!
Neither satellite was designed to monitor dust plumes, so it's impressive how much information they give us about the detail and extent of these storms!
November 6, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Huge dust storms in Pakistan, seen by the @esa.int / @ec.europa.eu Sentinel-2B and Sentinel-3B satellites on 4th November.
Neither satellite was designed to monitor dust plumes, so it's impressive how much information they give us about the detail and extent of these storms!
Neither satellite was designed to monitor dust plumes, so it's impressive how much information they give us about the detail and extent of these storms!
Along the N. Coast of Alaska, winter is closing in. These pics ages, from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission, were taken just two weeks apart. Heavy snowfall on land, and the beginnings of ice on sea.
Soon, the sun will be too low and Sentinel-2 will stop acquiring images until Springtime.
Soon, the sun will be too low and Sentinel-2 will stop acquiring images until Springtime.
October 30, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Along the N. Coast of Alaska, winter is closing in. These pics ages, from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission, were taken just two weeks apart. Heavy snowfall on land, and the beginnings of ice on sea.
Soon, the sun will be too low and Sentinel-2 will stop acquiring images until Springtime.
Soon, the sun will be too low and Sentinel-2 will stop acquiring images until Springtime.
17 hours of #Hurricane #Melissa seen from space compressed into 9 seconds.
Weather sats are vital for monitoring and forecasting Hurricanes. Without them, our forecasts would be much worse - increasing the danger posed by these monsterous storms.
Data: NOAA / GOES-19
Video: ESA / Simon Proud
Weather sats are vital for monitoring and forecasting Hurricanes. Without them, our forecasts would be much worse - increasing the danger posed by these monsterous storms.
Data: NOAA / GOES-19
Video: ESA / Simon Proud
October 28, 2025 at 4:50 PM
17 hours of #Hurricane #Melissa seen from space compressed into 9 seconds.
Weather sats are vital for monitoring and forecasting Hurricanes. Without them, our forecasts would be much worse - increasing the danger posed by these monsterous storms.
Data: NOAA / GOES-19
Video: ESA / Simon Proud
Weather sats are vital for monitoring and forecasting Hurricanes. Without them, our forecasts would be much worse - increasing the danger posed by these monsterous storms.
Data: NOAA / GOES-19
Video: ESA / Simon Proud
It was great to be at @thalesaleniaspace.bsky.social last week to discuss the SIRIUS mission that is under consolidation as one of @esa.int's future SCOUT missions.
SIRIUS will examine land surface temperature, with a focus on urban heat islands and unique data for evapotranspiration models.
SIRIUS will examine land surface temperature, with a focus on urban heat islands and unique data for evapotranspiration models.
October 7, 2025 at 12:40 PM
It was great to be at @thalesaleniaspace.bsky.social last week to discuss the SIRIUS mission that is under consolidation as one of @esa.int's future SCOUT missions.
SIRIUS will examine land surface temperature, with a focus on urban heat islands and unique data for evapotranspiration models.
SIRIUS will examine land surface temperature, with a focus on urban heat islands and unique data for evapotranspiration models.
Here are two images from the @esa.int / @ec.europa.eu Sentinel-2 mission showing the city of #Salalah in Southern Oman.
One pic from June, before the rainy season, and one from this week, after the rains. The hills around the city transform into a lush green landscape!
One pic from June, before the rainy season, and one from this week, after the rains. The hills around the city transform into a lush green landscape!
September 30, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Here are two images from the @esa.int / @ec.europa.eu Sentinel-2 mission showing the city of #Salalah in Southern Oman.
One pic from June, before the rainy season, and one from this week, after the rains. The hills around the city transform into a lush green landscape!
One pic from June, before the rainy season, and one from this week, after the rains. The hills around the city transform into a lush green landscape!
Delighted to see that the next Meteosat satellite will launch on a European rocket.
MTG-I2 will complete the imaging constellation for Europe's next generation weather satellites, providing vital warnings for severe weather, wildfires, and more.
MTG-I2 will complete the imaging constellation for Europe's next generation weather satellites, providing vital warnings for severe weather, wildfires, and more.
Following an extraordinary meeting of the EUMETSAT Council on 2 Sept, we can announce that MTG-I2 will launch on an Ariane 62 rocket, scheduled for 2026 🚀
MTG-I2 will help Europe’s NMHS further improve nowcasts of severe weather, vital for early warnings.
More on the decision here: bit.ly/3JDaC7H
MTG-I2 will help Europe’s NMHS further improve nowcasts of severe weather, vital for early warnings.
More on the decision here: bit.ly/3JDaC7H
September 3, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Delighted to see that the next Meteosat satellite will launch on a European rocket.
MTG-I2 will complete the imaging constellation for Europe's next generation weather satellites, providing vital warnings for severe weather, wildfires, and more.
MTG-I2 will complete the imaging constellation for Europe's next generation weather satellites, providing vital warnings for severe weather, wildfires, and more.
Am taking some time for relaxation in the Alps, so apologies for being slow to respond to messages and comments.
Will be back in the world of space-based Earth Observation soon, but for now im enjoying EO at slightly lower altitudes 🙂
Will be back in the world of space-based Earth Observation soon, but for now im enjoying EO at slightly lower altitudes 🙂
August 19, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Am taking some time for relaxation in the Alps, so apologies for being slow to respond to messages and comments.
Will be back in the world of space-based Earth Observation soon, but for now im enjoying EO at slightly lower altitudes 🙂
Will be back in the world of space-based Earth Observation soon, but for now im enjoying EO at slightly lower altitudes 🙂
Congrats to my friends + colleagues across @esa.int , @eumetsat.int and @ec.europa.eu.
MetOp-SG is exciting, a big leap forward for weather prediction.
I think the key thing will be watching how scientists combine data from the different instruments to understand our planet. Lots of potential 😀
MetOp-SG is exciting, a big leap forward for weather prediction.
I think the key thing will be watching how scientists combine data from the different instruments to understand our planet. Lots of potential 😀
Liftoff of Ariane 6 flight #VA264 launching Metop-SG-A1 and Copernicus Sentinel-5A to orbit!
August 13, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Congrats to my friends + colleagues across @esa.int , @eumetsat.int and @ec.europa.eu.
MetOp-SG is exciting, a big leap forward for weather prediction.
I think the key thing will be watching how scientists combine data from the different instruments to understand our planet. Lots of potential 😀
MetOp-SG is exciting, a big leap forward for weather prediction.
I think the key thing will be watching how scientists combine data from the different instruments to understand our planet. Lots of potential 😀
Reposted by Simon Proud
📷 Premières images d’#Ariane6 sur son pas de tir.
🚀 Le vol #VA264 mettra en orbite Metop-SG-A1 et Copernicus Sentinel-5.
✅ Revue de préparation au lancement : nominale
☁️ Météo favorable
📅 Décollage prévu le 13 août à 02h37 (heure de Paris)
🚀 Le vol #VA264 mettra en orbite Metop-SG-A1 et Copernicus Sentinel-5.
✅ Revue de préparation au lancement : nominale
☁️ Météo favorable
📅 Décollage prévu le 13 août à 02h37 (heure de Paris)
🤝There they stand.
📷First views of #Ariane6 on the launch pad.
🚀 Flight #VA264 will take Metop-SG-A1 and Copernicus Sentinel-5 to orbit
✅Launch readiness review: GO
☁️Weather looks good
📅Liftoff 13 August 02:37 CEST
🔴Watch live: www.esa.int/Applications...
📷First views of #Ariane6 on the launch pad.
🚀 Flight #VA264 will take Metop-SG-A1 and Copernicus Sentinel-5 to orbit
✅Launch readiness review: GO
☁️Weather looks good
📅Liftoff 13 August 02:37 CEST
🔴Watch live: www.esa.int/Applications...
August 12, 2025 at 7:38 PM
📷 Premières images d’#Ariane6 sur son pas de tir.
🚀 Le vol #VA264 mettra en orbite Metop-SG-A1 et Copernicus Sentinel-5.
✅ Revue de préparation au lancement : nominale
☁️ Météo favorable
📅 Décollage prévu le 13 août à 02h37 (heure de Paris)
🚀 Le vol #VA264 mettra en orbite Metop-SG-A1 et Copernicus Sentinel-5.
✅ Revue de préparation au lancement : nominale
☁️ Météo favorable
📅 Décollage prévu le 13 août à 02h37 (heure de Paris)
I saw that a new version of chatGPT has been released - gave it a quick try to write some simple python code...same garbage as the previous version.
Now it's telling me that GPT is right and the python docs are wrong.
At least for me, the AI bubble has well and truly popped 😆
Now it's telling me that GPT is right and the python docs are wrong.
At least for me, the AI bubble has well and truly popped 😆
August 11, 2025 at 7:07 PM
I saw that a new version of chatGPT has been released - gave it a quick try to write some simple python code...same garbage as the previous version.
Now it's telling me that GPT is right and the python docs are wrong.
At least for me, the AI bubble has well and truly popped 😆
Now it's telling me that GPT is right and the python docs are wrong.
At least for me, the AI bubble has well and truly popped 😆
To me, the Netherlands is remarkably anthopogenic place, nature is subjugated, everything is concrete and construction: Why have a garden when you can have space for a second car?
Glad to have found a house that retains some nature.
Glad to have found a house that retains some nature.
August 2, 2025 at 7:19 PM
To me, the Netherlands is remarkably anthopogenic place, nature is subjugated, everything is concrete and construction: Why have a garden when you can have space for a second car?
Glad to have found a house that retains some nature.
Glad to have found a house that retains some nature.
Nice to visit Thales Alenia Space in Madrid this week to discuss future satellite missions.
Thanks for the tour of the clean room! Lots of exciting work going on 😃
Thanks for the tour of the clean room! Lots of exciting work going on 😃
July 18, 2025 at 5:44 AM
Nice to visit Thales Alenia Space in Madrid this week to discuss future satellite missions.
Thanks for the tour of the clean room! Lots of exciting work going on 😃
Thanks for the tour of the clean room! Lots of exciting work going on 😃
Large #wildfires burning in Syria, seen yesterday by the
Copernicus / @esaearth.esa.int Sentinel-2 mission.
As well as the fires themselves, you can see a huge region that's already been burned - all that Brown-coloured bit in the middle.
Copernicus / @esaearth.esa.int Sentinel-2 mission.
As well as the fires themselves, you can see a huge region that's already been burned - all that Brown-coloured bit in the middle.
July 9, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Large #wildfires burning in Syria, seen yesterday by the
Copernicus / @esaearth.esa.int Sentinel-2 mission.
As well as the fires themselves, you can see a huge region that's already been burned - all that Brown-coloured bit in the middle.
Copernicus / @esaearth.esa.int Sentinel-2 mission.
As well as the fires themselves, you can see a huge region that's already been burned - all that Brown-coloured bit in the middle.
I just got an email auto-reply saying:
"Hello, I'm away from my desk. I will reply when I'm back."
I love the vagueness. Are they away for a sandwich, or away visiting the North Pole? 😂
"Hello, I'm away from my desk. I will reply when I'm back."
I love the vagueness. Are they away for a sandwich, or away visiting the North Pole? 😂
July 2, 2025 at 10:55 AM
I just got an email auto-reply saying:
"Hello, I'm away from my desk. I will reply when I'm back."
I love the vagueness. Are they away for a sandwich, or away visiting the North Pole? 😂
"Hello, I'm away from my desk. I will reply when I'm back."
I love the vagueness. Are they away for a sandwich, or away visiting the North Pole? 😂
Satellite sees satellite! 😮
The @noaa.gov GOES-18 satellite saw @eumetsat.int's MTG-S1 satellite as it blasted off from Florida last night.
See that little bright dot in the middle of the image? That's the @spacex.extwitter.link rocket!
The @noaa.gov GOES-18 satellite saw @eumetsat.int's MTG-S1 satellite as it blasted off from Florida last night.
See that little bright dot in the middle of the image? That's the @spacex.extwitter.link rocket!
July 2, 2025 at 8:31 AM
Satellite sees satellite! 😮
The @noaa.gov GOES-18 satellite saw @eumetsat.int's MTG-S1 satellite as it blasted off from Florida last night.
See that little bright dot in the middle of the image? That's the @spacex.extwitter.link rocket!
The @noaa.gov GOES-18 satellite saw @eumetsat.int's MTG-S1 satellite as it blasted off from Florida last night.
See that little bright dot in the middle of the image? That's the @spacex.extwitter.link rocket!
Reposted by Simon Proud
Europe’s 1st geostationary sounder satellite has launched! 🚀
MTG-S1 will transform weather forecasting & early warnings with new atmospheric data.
The satellite also carries the Sentinel-4 mission & will provide data that can be used to protect communities & strengthen resilience: bit.ly/4l9c5jR
MTG-S1 will transform weather forecasting & early warnings with new atmospheric data.
The satellite also carries the Sentinel-4 mission & will provide data that can be used to protect communities & strengthen resilience: bit.ly/4l9c5jR
July 1, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Europe’s 1st geostationary sounder satellite has launched! 🚀
MTG-S1 will transform weather forecasting & early warnings with new atmospheric data.
The satellite also carries the Sentinel-4 mission & will provide data that can be used to protect communities & strengthen resilience: bit.ly/4l9c5jR
MTG-S1 will transform weather forecasting & early warnings with new atmospheric data.
The satellite also carries the Sentinel-4 mission & will provide data that can be used to protect communities & strengthen resilience: bit.ly/4l9c5jR
Today we signed the study contract for our @esa.int SCOUT missions.
Am excited to be the science officer for SIRIUS, one of the missions, that aims to explore urban heat islands.
These missions are fast, with compressed development, and I'm looking forward to seeing the progress! 🚀🛰
Am excited to be the science officer for SIRIUS, one of the missions, that aims to explore urban heat islands.
These missions are fast, with compressed development, and I'm looking forward to seeing the progress! 🚀🛰
June 26, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Today we signed the study contract for our @esa.int SCOUT missions.
Am excited to be the science officer for SIRIUS, one of the missions, that aims to explore urban heat islands.
These missions are fast, with compressed development, and I'm looking forward to seeing the progress! 🚀🛰
Am excited to be the science officer for SIRIUS, one of the missions, that aims to explore urban heat islands.
These missions are fast, with compressed development, and I'm looking forward to seeing the progress! 🚀🛰
Today at Living Planet #LPS25 come along to our session on the Sentinel2 mission!
Some good talks about the current generation of Sentinel 2, and the next generation.
Some good talks about the current generation of Sentinel 2, and the next generation.
June 25, 2025 at 4:51 AM
Today at Living Planet #LPS25 come along to our session on the Sentinel2 mission!
Some good talks about the current generation of Sentinel 2, and the next generation.
Some good talks about the current generation of Sentinel 2, and the next generation.
Day 2 of Living Planet! #LPS25
Do you want to learn about what's new with the next generation of Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-3?
Come along to our session at 11.30, room E1!
Do you want to learn about what's new with the next generation of Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-3?
Come along to our session at 11.30, room E1!
June 24, 2025 at 6:37 AM
Day 2 of Living Planet! #LPS25
Do you want to learn about what's new with the next generation of Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-3?
Come along to our session at 11.30, room E1!
Do you want to learn about what's new with the next generation of Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-3?
Come along to our session at 11.30, room E1!
Ever wondered what's inside a satellite?
Here's a nice simple example from Airbus about what's inside Sentinel-2!
Here's a nice simple example from Airbus about what's inside Sentinel-2!
June 23, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Ever wondered what's inside a satellite?
Here's a nice simple example from Airbus about what's inside Sentinel-2!
Here's a nice simple example from Airbus about what's inside Sentinel-2!
Arriving at a very sunny #LPS25!
Keen to talk to as many people as possible, especially about sentinel 2 and 3. Let me know what you like, what you want, what you do!
Keen to talk to as many people as possible, especially about sentinel 2 and 3. Let me know what you like, what you want, what you do!
June 23, 2025 at 7:35 AM
Arriving at a very sunny #LPS25!
Keen to talk to as many people as possible, especially about sentinel 2 and 3. Let me know what you like, what you want, what you do!
Keen to talk to as many people as possible, especially about sentinel 2 and 3. Let me know what you like, what you want, what you do!