The Copernicus Sentinel 6B satellite has delivered its first data set following its launch in November 2025, highlighting significant changes in sea levels in the North Atlantic Ocean. This mission aims to enhance the accuracy and continuity of sea level data, essential for tracking climate change impacts. Sentinel 6B, which replaces Sentinel 6 Michael Freilich from 2020, provides vital information to support decision-making on coastal protection and disaster response in light of rising sea levels, linked to climate change.
Project manager Pierrick Vuilleumier emphasized the importance of this satellite in continuing the mean sea level record, which now extends over 40 years. The initial data also revealed details about the Gulf Stream, crucial for global weather patterns and marine ecosystems, allowing for more precise tracking of its changes.
Equipped with advanced technology, including the Poseidon 4 altimeter, the satellite provides highly accurate sea level measurements. ESA’s mission scientist Alejandro Egido noted the early data’s encouraging quality and indicated a calibration phase will follow, which will ensure the satellite is fully operational to extend vital measurement records until at least 2030.
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