Observing the Earth
Only space provides the perspective to understand, monitor and act on our changing world.
16 SEP. 2020
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Launch
Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich: 21 November 2020
Copernicus Sentinel-6B: 17 November 2025
Launcher
Falcon 9 from Vandenberg, California, US
Orbit
Polar, at altitude of 1336 km, inclined at 66 degrees
Revisit time
Every 10 days
Life
Minimum of 5.5 years (each satellite)
Dimensions
2.35 m × 4.17 m × 5.30 m
Mass
1191 kg (including 230 kg fuel)
Instruments
Poseidon-4 radar altimeter and a microwave radiometer supported by a precise orbit determination suite
Receiving stations
Scientific data and telemetry data transmitted to Kiruna (SE) and to Fairbanks (US)
Applications
To continue the long-term record of sea-surface height measurements and to provide data for operational oceanography and marine meteorology
Mission
Developed in international collaboration between ESA, NASA, Eumetsat, NOAA and the EU, with contributions from CNES
Funding
ESA, EU and Eumetsat with in-kind contributions from NASA
Prime contractors
Airbus Defence and Space (DE), with Thales Alenia Space (FR) for the altimeter
Media modal
Copernicus
Looking at our planet and its environment for the benefit of all European citizens
Download: Copernicus Sentinel-6 fact sheet
Remote Sensing of Environment
Copernicus Sentinel-6: Enhanced continuity of satellite sea level measurements
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