The European-American satellite Sentinel-6B was successfully launched this Wednesday (19) from Base, Força Espacial, Vandenberg, Califórnia, Estados Unidos. The equipment is part of the Copernicus Sentinel-6 mission and its main objective is to continue the series of continuous sea level measurements started more than 30 years ago.
The new unit will operate in conjunction with the Sentinel-6A, launched in 2020, forming a pair that guarantees centimeter precision in ocean observations until at least 2030. Os data collected will be used in weather forecasts, maritime security and climate change studies.
International partnership maintains historical series
The Sentinel-6B project is the result of collaboration between Agência Espacial Europeia (ESA), Comissão Europeia, NASA, NOAA (North American Ocean and Atmosphere Agency), Eumetsat and the French CNES.
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket placed the satellite in polar orbit at an altitude of around 1,336 km just 58 minutes after liftoff.
Accuracy maintains three-decade standard
The Sentinel-6B instruments repeat the technology of the Jason predecessors and guarantee continuity of measurements started in 1992.
- Poseidon-4 altimeter measures the distance to the sea surface with an accuracy of a few centimeters
- Advanced Microwave Radiometer Corrects Errors Caused by Atmospheric Moisture
- DORIS system and GNSS receiver enable exact orbital positioning
This equipment covers approximately 90% of the world’s ocean surface.
Direct applications in everyday life
The information generated by the satellite feeds storm forecast models, shipping routes and coastal flood warnings.
The data also helps governments and organizations plan adaptations to predicted sea level rise in the coming decades.
Validation of the instruments should take around six months, during which time the Sentinel-6B will be calibrated against the Sentinel-6A.
Defined operational calendar
The commissioning phase begins immediately after rocket separation.
The first scientific data is expected for the second half of 2026.
From there, the satellite will provide near-real-time operational measurements to meteorological and oceanographic centers around the world.
Importance of the satellite duo
Keeping two identical satellites in orbit allows data crossing and increases the reliability of observations.
This configuration is already used successfully by the Sentinel-6A and will be maintained until the end of the decade.
The complete mission is designed to operate for at least seven and a half years, with the possibility of extension.
Open and free data
All information collected by the Sentinel-6B will be made available free of charge by the Copernicus program.
Researchers, shipping companies and government agencies will have unrestricted access to sea level, wave height and wind speed products over the ocean.
The open data policy follows the standard adopted in all Sentinel and União Europeia missions.
