Successful Launch of Sentinel-6B, a New Milestone for Satellite Altimetry

We are pleased to announce the successful launch of the Sentinel-6B satellite altimetry mission, marking a major step forward for satellite altimetry, ocean observation, and global climate monitoring.

As the second satellite in the Copernicus Sentinel-6 reference altimetry mission, Sentinel-6B ensures continuity for one of the world’s most accurate long-term climate data records that began in the 1990’s with TOPEX/POSEIDON. As a result, the Sentinel-6B satellite altimetry mission will strengthen global efforts to understand and protect our planet.

CLS, a long term partner of the Sentinel satellites is proud to be part of the adventure, using its +30 years of experience to calibrate, validate and process the satelllite’s altimetry measurements.

Sentinel-6B, providing high precision measurements

Sentinel-6B is designed to deliver the highest precision measurements of sea level, coastal environments, and inland water bodies. In addition, the mission’s advanced satellite altimetry technology will significantly enhance our capacity to:

• Monitor global sea level rise, coastal erosion, and ocean dynamics,
• Track lakes, rivers, and other freshwater resources with unprecedented accuracy,
• Support marine ecosystem studies and sustainable fisheries management,
• Improve long-term climate models by extending a continuous 30-year satellite altimetry record,
• Provide essential data for scientists studying #ClimateChange and its accelerating impacts.

By providing consistent, high-resolution measurements every ten days, Sentinel-6B reinforces Europe’s commitment to the sustainable management of our planet under the Copernicus programme.

CLS, proud partner of the Sentinel missions

With nearly 30 years of experience in satellite altimetry, that began with TOPEX/POSEIDON and continued with the JASON’s 1, 2 & 3, CLS plays a central role in transforming Sentinel-6 data into actionable insights for the scientific and environmental community. Consequently, our contribution helps maintain the high quality and long-term stability of this global climate record.

Just as for Sentinel-6A, on behalf of space agencies ESA, EUMETSAT, CNES and European Commission for the Copernicus Services, CLS will:

• Calibrate and validate the satellite altimetry data provided by EUMETSAT,
• Support the processing of altimetric measurements over oceans, coasts, and inland waters,
• Deliver high-quality, ready-to-use climate and ocean data products for researchers and operational users around the world,
• Contribute its scientific expertise to ensure optimal mission performance throughout the satellite’s lifetime.

The successful launch of Sentinel-6B marks another important milestone for satellite altimetry, strengthening one of the longest and most reliable climate data records on Earth.

Ultimately, by combining the capabilities of the new satellite with CLS’s long-standing expertise, we will continue to deliver trustworthy data that helps scientists, policymakers, and environmental actors better understand our changing planet and take action now.