New Eye on the Seas: Sentinel-6B Launches to Track Rising Sea Levels

Sentinel-6B is the latest in a series of satellites dedicated to precisely measuring the height of the ocean's surface. This isn't just about curiosity; sea level is a key indicator of climate change. As global temperatures rise, glaciers and ice sheets melt, adding water to the oceans. Simultaneously, warmer water expands, further contributing to sea level rise. Sentinel-6B continues the vital work started by its predecessor, Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, launched in 2020, ensuring a continuous and reliable record of these changes for decades to come. The information gathered by Sentinel-6B is invaluable for a wide range of applications. Scientists use it to refine climate models, improving our ability to predict future sea level rise scenarios. Coastal communities can use the data to plan for infrastructure improvements and implement adaptation strategies to protect themselves from the impacts of rising seas. Moreover, the data contributes to a better understanding of ocean currents and their influence on global weather patterns. The satellite hitched a ride to space aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Reaching its designated orbit, Sentinel-6B joins a constellation of Earth-observing satellites, constantly scanning our planet and providing crucial data for environmental monitoring and climate research. This mission is a collaborative effort between several international organizations, including the European Space Agency (ESA), NASA, and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT). This international cooperation highlights the global importance of understanding and addressing climate change.