NASA to launch new sea-level tracking satellite tomorrow
What's the story
NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) are all set to launch their ocean-monitoring satellite, Sentinel-6B. The mission is scheduled for November 17 at 12:21am EST from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base. The satellite will be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and will be the second in a series of two satellites dedicated to tracking global sea levels.
Satellite features
Sentinel-6B's mission and capabilities
Sentinel-6B, a joint project of NASA and ESA, will be placed in an orbit around Earth. The satellite will eventually take over from its twin, Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, launched five years ago. It will continue a multi-decade dataset for sea level measurements from space. These measurements and atmospheric data collected by the mission will help improve public safety and city planning while protecting coastal infrastructure like power plants and defense interests.
Launch process
Launch sequence and satellite deployment
The Falcon 9 rocket's main engine will shut down after roughly two minutes of liftoff, followed by the separation of the first and second stages. The reusable first stage will then begin its automated boost-back burn to land at the launch site. Around three minutes after liftoff, the fairings shielding the satellite during its ascent, will detach and fall back to Earth. The second stage will perform various maneuvers to deploy the satellite into the desired orbit.
Operational phase
Sentinel-6B's post-launch operations and science mission
Around seven minutes after separation, Sentinel-6B's solar panels will deploy. The satellite is expected to make first contact with ground teams about 35 minutes later, confirming that it is operating normally. Sentinel-6B will fly about 30 seconds behind its twin, Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite. Once cross-calibration of data from both satellites is complete, Sentinel-6B will take over primary sea level measurements while its twin moves into a different orbit.