NASA and SpaceX successfully launched the Sentinel-6B satellite aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. Sentinel-6B is an advanced ocean-monitoring and sea-level tracking satellite designed to measure global sea level rise and support improved climate forecasting.
The satellite will orbit Earth at 7.2 km/second, completing one orbit every 112 minutes.
Key Highlights
- Sentinel-6B will monitor sea level rise and climate-driven ocean changes using six high-precision scientific instruments.
- Satellite jointly developed by NASA, ESA, EUMETSAT, NOAA, and supported by European Commission & CNES-France.
- Will replace and continue the mission of Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, launched in 2020.
- Part of the Copernicus Sentinel-6 / Jason-CS mission, continuing sea-level monitoring since 1992.
- Will become the primary global sea-level reference satellite, enabling calibration of altimetry data from other space missions.
- Expected operational life 5.5 years.
- Provides critical inputs for:
- Weather forecast improvement
- Flood warning systems
- Coastal infrastructure protection
- Hurricane intensity prediction
- Marine transport safety
Scientific Capabilities & Applications
| Application | Benefit |
| Precise sea level tracking (~1 inch accuracy) | Identify coastal flooding risk zones |
| Wind & wave monitoring | Improve marine safety & weather modeling |
| Ocean temperature mapping | Track climate change & hurricane formation |
| Sea-current behavior analysis | Enhance shipping route planning |
| Tropospheric humidity & temperature data | Improve global weather forecasting |
Role in Disaster & Climate Protection
- Enhances U.S. flood prediction models
- Supports safer re-entry path forecasts for Artemis astronaut missions
- Protects ports, real estate, energy storage centers, and coastal ecosystems
Key Technological Features
- Radar Altimeter: Millimeter-level measurement of sea surface height
- Advanced Microwave Radiometer: Atmospheric correction for ultra-precise readings
- Six scientific instruments supporting large-scale ocean & atmospheric studies
- Orbit height: 830 miles / 1,336 km (Low-Earth Orbit)
- Flight sequence: Follows Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich by 30 seconds for cross-calibration
- Orbit frequency: ~13 orbits/day
International Partnership Structure
| Partner | Role |
| NASA & NOAA | Technical development, mission leadership |
| ESA | Satellite contributions, support infrastructure |
| EUMETSAT | Operations of satellite data |
| CNES | Performance testing & engineering guidance |
| European Commission | Funding support |
Strategic Significance
- Strengthens global climate intelligence capability
- Supports UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-13: Climate Action)
- Vital for coastal countries impacted by sea level rise
- Enables continuity of 30-year satellite climate observation record
About Copernicus Programme
- Europe’s largest Earth Observation program
- Managed by European Commission & ESA
- Provides free, open satellite data for environment, disaster response & security
Legacy of Sea-Level Monitoring Satellites
| Year | Satellite Program |
| 1992 | TOPEX-Poseidon |
| 2001 | Jason-1 |
| 2008 | Jason-2 |
| 2016 | Jason-3 |
| 2020 | Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich |
| 2024 | Sentinel-6B launched |
Falcon-9 Rocket (SpaceX)
- Two-stage reusable orbital launch vehicle
- Used for crewed missions (Crew Dragon), satellites & cargo flights
- First orbital-class booster capable of re-flight
Vandenberg Space Force Base
- Located in California, USA
- Used for polar-orbit & sun-synchronous launches