The Copernicus Sentinel-6B mission, successfully deployed on November 17, 2025, stands as the critical node in the global ocean observing system. As the twin to the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich (launched 2020), Sentinel-6B is not merely a replacement satellite; it is the custodian of the "Reference Altimetry Record." Since 1992 (TOPEX/Poseidon), humanity has maintained an unbroken, high-precision record of global sea levels. Sentinel-6B extends this record into a fourth decade (2025–2030+). By operating in a unique non-sun-synchronous orbit, it serves as the absolute calibration standard for all other ocean-observing satellites (e.g., Sentinel-3, SWOT, CryoSat-2). Its successful commissioning ensures that the detection of accelerating sea-level rise—a vital climate change indicator—remains robust and uninterrupted.
Document Prepared by Rushikesav , Team Macroedtech. For more details, Please download and read .
