Successful launch of Airbus-built Sentinel-6B climate satellite

This is the second of two identical satellites built to continue collecting essential sea-surface height data until at least 2030. The first satellite, Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, was launched in November 2020.

For its first year, Sentinel-6B will join Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich in orbit, allowing both instruments to collaborate, thus providing the most accurate data on global sea levels. This information is fundamental in warning coastal countries of potential dangers and for continuity of successful ocean weather forecasts.

“The launch of this satellite will play a crucial role in advancing ongoing research while building upon the significant progress already achieved. Accurate sea-level measurements are invaluable data to help protect coastal communities and guide global climate action,” said Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus.

Sentinel-6B will carry out high-precision ocean surface topography measurements. By sending radar pulses to the ocean surface and recording how long they take to return, it enables measurements with an accuracy of a few centimetres. In addition to measuring global sea level rise and ocean circulation, the satellite will record vertical profiles of atmospheric temperature and humidity.