SpaceX successfully launched the second satellite designed to monitor sea level changes early on Monday, contributing to an ongoing project valued at approximately $1 billion. The satellite, known as Sentinel-6B, lifted off from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard a Falcon 9 rocket at 12:21 a.m. EST. This mission continues the significant work begun with the first satellite, Sentinel-6A, which was launched in November 2020.
Both Sentinel-6 satellites are equipped with advanced cloud-penetrating radar technology. By measuring the time it takes for radar beams to bounce back from the ocean surface, these satellites can track sea levels with an accuracy of approximately one inch. Additionally, they provide valuable data on wave height and wind speeds, essential for understanding climate dynamics.
The Sentinel project builds on historical data collection efforts that have been ongoing since the early 1990s, providing critical insights into long-term sea level trends. Data from these missions reveals a steady rise in sea levels, often cited as a significant indicator of climate change driven largely by human activities.
During the pre-launch briefing, Karen St. Germain, director of NASA’s Earth Science Division, emphasized the practical applications of the satellite’s data, without explicitly referencing climate change. She stated, “Sentinel-6B is the latest in a line of missions stretching over three decades, keeping an uninterrupted watch over our planet’s sea surface height.” St. Germain highlighted that the data supports various industries, including navigation, search and rescue operations, and coastal urban planning.
The launch proceeded smoothly, with the Falcon 9 rocket’s first stage successfully separating and landing back at the launch site after propelling the spacecraft through the lower atmosphere. The upper stage of the rocket completed two engine firings before deploying the 2,600-pound Sentinel-6B into orbit at an altitude of 830 miles, maintaining a similar trajectory to its predecessor.
As the satellite orbits, it will cover 90 percent of the world’s oceans, allowing for the collection of data crucial in monitoring not only sea levels but also atmospheric temperature and humidity. This comprehensive monitoring effort aims to enhance understanding of coastal erosion and the encroachment of saltwater into freshwater supplies used for agriculture and municipal drinking water.
The collaboration behind the Sentinel-6 program involves several key organizations, including NASA, the European Space Agency, the European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NASA’s financial contribution for both Sentinel-6 satellites amounts to around $500 million, with European partners matching this investment.
As the scientific community continues to analyze the data provided by the Sentinel-6 missions, the insights gained will be pivotal in addressing the challenges posed by rising sea levels and their impact on coastal communities worldwide. The launch of Sentinel-6B marks another step forward in the quest to understand and mitigate the effects of climate change on our planet.
