A new European satellite has been launched with powerful image-taking capabilities designed to improve the monitoring of natural disasters and global food crops.<br /><br /> Developed by the European Space Agency, the Sentinel-2A was sent up on a Vega rocket from Europe’s spaceport in French Guiana.<br /><br /> It should enhance the work of the European Union Copernicus environmental monitoring system.<br /><br /> The first satellite, launched last year, has radars capable of tracking environmental developments on Earth.<br /><br /> Sentinel-2A has equipment designed to capture a wider range of colours at higher resolution, including infra-red imaging said to be good for monitoring vegetation. <br /><br /> It’s hoped the technology may help predict poor harvests and warn of potential famine.<br /><br /> A twin satellite, Sentinel-2B, is due to be launched next year.<br /><br /> New #Sentinel2 launch photos in from Kourou after this morning's early liftoff. More images: https://t.co/JMpOFCKaBJ pic.twitter.com/OdpWGKDGIS— ESA (@esa) 23 Juin 2015
