The launch of Sputnik I in 1957 marked a significant milestone in history, leading to the development of satellites that are now essential for various applications, including GPS, weather forecasting, and climate monitoring. The European Union's Copernicus program, established in 2014, provides accessible Earth observation data. Techniques like radar and optical satellites help monitor environmental changes and greenhouse gas emissions, with recent examples including the detection of methane leaks by researchers using advanced satellite technology. Full article (Euronews.com)