ESA - Sentinel-6

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The mission

With global mean sea level rising because of climate change, Copernicus Sentinel-6 is the next radar altimetry reference mission to extend the legacy of sea-surface height measurements until at least 2030. Each satellite carries a Poseidon-4 radar altimeter and a microwave radiometer.

The launch

Date: Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich - 21 November 2020
Sentinel-6B - 17 November 2025
Site: Vandenberg, California, US
Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9

3.2 mm yearly sea-level rise
1336 km orbit altitude
66° orbit inclination
95% ocean measured

Sentinel-6

Data from Copernicus Sentinel-6 critical for low-lying countries

Eumetsat takes control of Sentinel-6B

Sentinel-6B separates from rocket

Sentinel-6B launched to extend record of sea-level rise

17/11/2025 3627 views 46 likes

Sentinel-6B release into orbit

Watch: Sentinel-6B launch live broadcast

13/11/2025 5521 views 45 likes

Sea state

Satellites reveal the power of ocean swell

08/10/2025 5173 views 57 likes

In September, mission controllers at ESA's mission control centre started a major simulations exercise to ensure that the next Copernicus Sentinel Earth Observation mission, Sentinel-6B, safely navigates its first days in space.

Enabling & Support

Rehearsing for Sentinel-6B’s early days in space

08/10/2025 1227 views 17 likes

Sentinel-6B ready to start its launch campaign

Sea-level monitoring satellite unboxed

01/10/2025 3237 views 22 likes

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Remote Sensing of Environment

Copernicus Sentinel-6: Enhanced continuity of satellite sea level measurements

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Discover Sentinel-6

Sentinel-6 in orbit

Charting sea level

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A bleak prospect

A rising threat

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Loss of land ice is causing sea levels to rise

Why is sea level rising?

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Satellite and instruments

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Copernicus Sentinel-6 radar altimeter

How it works

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Copernicus Sentinel-6 builds on heritage

Facts and figures

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Ice lost from ice sheets contributes to sea-level rise

Team talk: 10 things about Copernicus Sentinel-6

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Copernicus Sentinel-6 in partnership

In partnership

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