The Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite is a cornerstone of international efforts to monitor Earth’s oceans and climate. Launched on November 21, 2020, this mission is a collaborative endeavor involving the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the European Commission, with support from the French space agency CNES .
Mission Objectives
The primary goal of Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich is to provide high-precision measurements of global sea-level rise, a key indicator of climate change. By continuing the legacy of satellite altimetry missions initiated with TOPEX/Poseidon in 1992, Sentinel-6 ensures the continuity of critical oceanographic data. The mission also aims to:
- Monitor sea surface height with unprecedented accuracy.
- Measure significant wave heights and wind speeds over the ocean.
- Collect atmospheric temperature and humidity profiles using the Global Navigation Satellite System Radio Occultation (GNSS-RO) technique, enhancing weather forecasting and climate models .
Technical Specifications
Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich operates in a non-sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 1,336 kilometers with an inclination of 66°, allowing it to map up to 95% of Earth’s ice-free ocean every 10 days. The satellite’s payload includes:
- Poseidon-4 Radar Altimeter: Measures sea surface height with high precision.
- Advanced Microwave Radiometer for Climate (AMR-C): Accounts for atmospheric water vapor, which can affect altimeter readings.
- GNSS-RO Instrument: Provides vertical profiles of atmospheric temperature and humidity.
- DORIS (Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite): Ensures precise orbit determination.
- Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA): Facilitates satellite laser ranging for orbit validation .
Mission Timeline and Future Plans
Following its launch, Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich underwent a commissioning phase before becoming the reference altimetry mission in April 2022. Its twin satellite, Sentinel-6B, is scheduled for launch in November 2025, ensuring data continuity through at least 2030. There are proposals to extend the mission further with a potential Sentinel-6C satellite .
Legacy and Impact
Named in honor of Dr. Michael Freilich, former director of NASA’s Earth Science Division, the satellite recognizes his significant contributions to Earth observation and oceanography. The data collected by Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich are vital for understanding sea-level trends, improving weather forecasts, and informing climate policy decisions .
For a visual overview of the mission, you can watch the launch coverage provided by NASA:
