Sentinel-6B Ocean Altimetry Satellite: Mission Facts
Why in the news
A high-precision sea-level satellite joined a long line of ocean altimetry missions.
Key facts
- Measures sea-surface height, waves, winds; helps climate models and coastal planning.
- Partners: NASA, NOAA, ESA, Eumetsat, European Commission; CNES supports.
- Instruments: radar altimeter and microwave radiometer; accuracy about 1 inch across 90% of oceans.
Exam angle
- Launcher: Falcon-9, Vandenberg.
- Lineage: Topex-Poseidon, Jason, Sentinel-6 series.