European satellite captures Olympic venues from space as athletes compete
The European Space Agency (Esa)'s Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission has released a stunning high-resolution image of the 2026 Winter Olympic venues across northern Italy. Explore the vast geography of the Milano Cortina Games from the Alps to the Venetian lagoon.
Northern Italy has transformed into a massive winter playground as the 2026 Winter Olympics began in February. While athletes prepare for the snow and ice, the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission has captured a stunning view of the landscape from space.
Developed and operated by the European Space Agency (ESA) for the European Union, this mission uses twin high-resolution satellites to monitor Earth's land surface and environmental health.
This satellite image reveals how the Milano Cortina Games are stretching across the country, from the bustling streets of Milan to the sharp peaks of the Dolomites.
WHY IS THIS YEAR'S VENUE LAYOUT SO UNIQUE?
Unlike previous years when events were clustered together, these Games are geographically widespread.
The San Siro Stadium in Milan hosted the opening ceremony, while the closing ceremony will take place in the historic Roman Arena of Verona.
Between these cities lie the Alps, where venues like Cortina d’Ampezzo and Bormio sit tucked into deep valleys. Seeing it from above helps one appreciate the logistical feat of connecting these distant locations across the Italian landscape.
HOW DOES SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY TRACK THE GAMES?
The Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite provides a clear look at the environmental conditions of the region. In the image, Lake Garda stands out as a deep blue landmark, covering 370 square kilometres.
To the southeast, the turquoise Venetian lagoon is visible along the Adriatic coast.
This bird's eye view is more than just a pretty picture; it monitors snow cover and land use, ensuring the UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Dolomites remain protected during the influx of tourism.
This advanced orbital monitoring ensures that we can observe changes in the mountain ecosystems in real time.
WHAT CAN SPECTATORS EXPECT FROM THE REGION?
Northern Italy offers a mix of ancient history and modern sport.
From the 1956 Olympic heritage of Cortina to the Paralympic preparations in Verona, the region is a cultural hub.
With nearly 100 per cent visibility in this cloud-free capture, the satellite shows a region ready for the world stage.
The integration of these historic cities with the rugged Alpine terrain creates a spectacular backdrop for the global competition.
Northern Italy has transformed into a massive winter playground as the 2026 Winter Olympics began in February. While athletes prepare for the snow and ice, the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission has captured a stunning view of the landscape from space.
Developed and operated by the European Space Agency (ESA) for the European Union, this mission uses twin high-resolution satellites to monitor Earth's land surface and environmental health.
This satellite image reveals how the Milano Cortina Games are stretching across the country, from the bustling streets of Milan to the sharp peaks of the Dolomites.
WHY IS THIS YEAR'S VENUE LAYOUT SO UNIQUE?
Unlike previous years when events were clustered together, these Games are geographically widespread.
The San Siro Stadium in Milan hosted the opening ceremony, while the closing ceremony will take place in the historic Roman Arena of Verona.
Between these cities lie the Alps, where venues like Cortina d’Ampezzo and Bormio sit tucked into deep valleys. Seeing it from above helps one appreciate the logistical feat of connecting these distant locations across the Italian landscape.
HOW DOES SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY TRACK THE GAMES?
The Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite provides a clear look at the environmental conditions of the region. In the image, Lake Garda stands out as a deep blue landmark, covering 370 square kilometres.
To the southeast, the turquoise Venetian lagoon is visible along the Adriatic coast.
This bird's eye view is more than just a pretty picture; it monitors snow cover and land use, ensuring the UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Dolomites remain protected during the influx of tourism.
This advanced orbital monitoring ensures that we can observe changes in the mountain ecosystems in real time.
WHAT CAN SPECTATORS EXPECT FROM THE REGION?
Northern Italy offers a mix of ancient history and modern sport.
From the 1956 Olympic heritage of Cortina to the Paralympic preparations in Verona, the region is a cultural hub.
With nearly 100 per cent visibility in this cloud-free capture, the satellite shows a region ready for the world stage.
The integration of these historic cities with the rugged Alpine terrain creates a spectacular backdrop for the global competition.