The Copernicus Space Component (CSC) has been established as one of the largest and most proficient Earth Observation infrastructures in the world with seven high-performance satellites at present in full operation. In order to preserve the momentum in fulfilling user needs, the CSC evolution is being based on two pillars: stability and continuity as emerged from the user consultation process. They are particularly addressed in the considerations for the Next Generation of the current Sentinels providing enhanced continuity of initial observations, and the emerging and urgent needs for new types of observations addressed in the considerations for the Sentinel fleet expansion to the High Priority Candidate Missions (HPCM). Therefore, the development of the Sentinel-1 Next Generation (Sentinel 1NG) Space Component, providing enhanced continuity of initial first generation observations, is the response to the evolving user needs expressed in the user consultation process done by the EC.