Top Highlights
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Mission Overview: The Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite, honoring NASA’s Earth Science Division director, contributes to sea level monitoring by extending the legacy of the Jason series, following Jason-3 launched in 2016.
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Collaborative Development: Jointly developed by ESA, EUMETSAT, NASA, NOAA, and supported by the European Commission and CNES, the mission aims to collect precise sea surface height data for over 90% of the world’s oceans.
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Instruments and Launch: NASA contributes key instruments and supports launch services for both Sentinel-6 satellites, including advanced sensors to enhance operational oceanography, marine meteorology, and climate research.
- Public Engagement: The mission encourages public participation via virtual NASA Social events and interactive content, promoting real-time engagement and information sharing throughout the launch and operational phases.
NASA TV to Air Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich Launch Activities
NASA TV will broadcast the launch of the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite and related prelaunch activities. The launch occurs on November 20, 2020. This satellite is named in honor of Michael Freilich, who significantly advanced space-based ocean measurements during his tenure as the director of NASA’s Earth Science Division.
The Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich is part of the Sentinel-6/Jason-CS mission. This mission follows the Jason-3 satellite, which has been offering precise ocean topography data since its launch in 2016. By gathering measurements of sea surface height across more than 90% of the globe, Sentinel-6 will enhance our understanding of rising sea levels and climate change.
The mission benefits from the collaboration between multiple agencies, including NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). With funding support from the European Commission and France’s National Centre for Space Studies (CNES), Sentinel-6 will continue the legacy of the Jason satellite series, expanding sea level records into their fourth decade.
On launch day, public engagement will be high. Viewers can join NASA TV’s live coverage beginning at 11:45 a.m. EST. Prior to that, a science briefing will start at 3:30 p.m. the day before. Experts from NASA and ESA will discuss the mission’s significance and its implications for operational oceanography and marine meteorology.
Additionally, a virtual NASA Social event will allow the public to interact with mission personnel and learn more about the satellite’s functions. People can follow updates on social media using the hashtag #SeeingTheSeas.
With the future launch of its twin, Sentinel-6B, scheduled for 2025, this mission represents a significant advancement in ocean monitoring technology. Overall, the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich project highlights collaboration across international scientific communities, showcasing how space technology can improve quality of life on Earth. For more details, visit NASA’s and ESA’s websites dedicated to the Sentinel-6 mission.
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