Exciting times ahead! NASA is all set to launch the Sentinel-6B, a cutting-edge satellite for monitoring our oceans. This remarkable project is a joint effort between NASA, SpaceX, and other international agencies. According to a Nasa press release from November 14, this launch will significantly boost the Copernicus Sentinel-6/Jason-CS initiative, keeping up a tradition of precise sea level measurement for decades to come.
Launch on November 17: Don’t Miss It!
Mark your calendars! The Sentinel-6B is set to blast off on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, taking off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The scheduled launch time is 12:21 a.m. EST on November 17 (which is 9:21 p.m. PST on November 16). Catch the live coverage starting at 11:30 p.m. EST on various platforms like NASA+, Amazon Prime, and more!
Nasa won’t leave you hanging either! They’re offering live updates and a blog on their site starting not earlier than 11 p.m. EST. Expect video and photos soon after the launch! If you’re just interested in the audio, Nasa’s V circuits will provide direct audio of the event without commentary.
What Sentinel-6B Will Do
The Sentinel-6B is joining the Copernicus Sentinel-6/Jason-CS (Continuity of Service) mission group. This vast international collaboration involves many agencies including NASA, ESA, EUMETSAT, NOAA, and CNES, with aid from the European Commission. It’s launched to follow Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, which went to space in November 2020.
Nasa claims that Sentinel-6B will almost double the global sea level dataset to “nearly four decades.” This satellite is equipped with radar instruments that will deliver precise measurements of ocean surface height. These readings are crucial for tracking sea level changes, enhancing weather forecasts, and even helping maritime businesses. Since the 90s, satellites from NASA and its global partners have been collecting sharp data that powers major climate studies.
This mission is extra special. It’s the first with international input in the European Union’s Copernicus program, a project mostly spearheaded by European entities thus far.
Catch this Youtube video here!
Prelaunch Briefing: Get the Inside Scoop
If you’re eager for more details, a prelaunch teleconference is coming up on Saturday, November 15 at 4 p.m. EST. This brief session will feature important contributors from the mission, including Karen St. Germain, director of NASA’s Earth Science Division, and Pierrik Veuilleumier, project manager at ESA. You’ll also hear from 1st Lt. William Harbin, the U.S. Air Force’s launch weather officer.
Audio will be available live on the NASA Video YouTube channel, and the media need to RSVP to attend.
Join the Launch Virtually!
NASA isn’t just inviting industry insiders; they’re welcoming virtual participants too! By signing up online, you’ll get access to special resources, launch event updates, and earn a nifty digital stamp for your NASA Virtual Guest Passport. Plus, you can share your experience on social media by tagging NASA and using platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram!
Got questions about joining virtually or coverage details? NASA’s public relations teams are ready to help at their different bases, including Headquarters and Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This mission is a giant leap in ocean monitoring tech, giving us real-time glimpses into an ever-changing part of our planet.
