# Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich

> Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q102424477](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q102424477)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentinel-6_Michael_Freilich)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sentinel-6-michael-freilich

## Summary
Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich is an Earth observation satellite designed to monitor global sea-level rise as part of the Copernicus programme. It was launched in 2020 and carries advanced instruments to measure ocean topography, atmospheric conditions, and precise orbital data.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: November 21, 2020 at 17:17 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East  
- **Orbital Parameters**: Low Earth orbit with a 66-degree inclination  
- **Mass**: 1,440 kg at launch (dry weight: 1,226 kg)  
- **Dimensions**: Length 5.30 m, height 2.34 m, width 4.17 m  
- **Operator**: EUMETSAT, sponsored by ESA, EUMETSAT, NASA, NOAA, CNES, and the European Commission  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1063.1)  
- **Instruments**: Poseidon-4 radar altimeter, Advanced Microwave Radiometer for Climate, GNSS radio receivers, and Laser Retroreflector Array  
- **Mission Alias**: Also known as Sentinel-6A, Jason-CS A, or Jason Continuity of Service A  

## FAQs
### Q: What is Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich's primary purpose?  
A: It monitors global sea-level rise with high-precision radar altimetry, tracks atmospheric conditions, and provides precise orbit determination for Earth observation.  

### Q: Which organizations built the satellite?  
A: Airbus Defence and Space served as the general contractor, with Thales Alenia Space and Beyond Gravity as subcontractors.  

### Q: How long is Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich operational?  
A: As of the provided data, no end date is specified, but its design ensures continuity in sea-level monitoring missions.  

### Q: What scientific instruments does it carry?  
A: Key instruments include the Poseidon-4 radar altimeter, Advanced Microwave Radiometer for Climate, GNSS-RO radio occultation sensors, and a Laser Retroreflector Array.  

## Why It Matters
Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich advances climate science by delivering millimeter-accurate sea-level measurements, crucial for tracking climate change impacts. It extends decades of data from predecessors like TOPEX/Poseidon and Jason series, enabling precise monitoring of ocean currents, sea-level rise, and storm surges. This data supports coastal planning, flood forecasting, and climate modeling, directly informing global sustainability efforts. Its international collaboration (ESA, EUMETSAT, NASA, NOAA, CNES) exemplifies multinational cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.  

## Notable For  
- **Named After**: First satellite renamed post-launch to honor NASA Earth Sciences Division director Michael Freilich  
- **Innovation**: Carries Poseidon-4, the first synthetic aperture radar altimeter in the Jason series  
- **Continuous Monitoring**: Part of the Sentinel programme ensuring uninterrupted sea-level data from 2020 onward  
- **Multi-Agency Operation**: Jointly managed by six major space agencies (ESA, EUMETSAT, NASA, NOAA, CNES, European Commission)  
- **Launch Precision**: Acquired signal just 1 hour and 32 minutes after liftoff on November 21, 2020  

## Body  
### Physical Characteristics  
- **Mass**: 1,440 kg at launch (dry weight: 1,226 kg)  
- **Dimensions**: 5.30 m (length) × 2.34 m (height) × 4.17 m (width)  
- **Power System**: Photovoltaic system rated at 891 watts (unit: Q25236, unspecified)  
- **Structure**: Standardized design for Copernicus Earth observation missions  

### Mission Operations  
- **Launch**: November 21, 2020 at 17:17 UTC from Vandenberg SLC-4E  
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit (altitude unspecified) at 66° inclination  
- **Control**: Operated by EUMETSAT with routine data distribution  
- **Status**: Active, with confirmed signal acquisition at 18:49 UTC on launch day  

### Scientific Payload  
- **Poseidon-4 Synthetic Aperture Radar Altimeter**: Measures sea surface height  
- **Advanced Microwave Radiometer for Climate**: Corrects atmospheric interference in altimeter data  
- **GNSS-RO (Radio Occultation)**: Profiles atmospheric temperature and humidity  
- **Laser Retroreflector Array**: Enables ground-based orbit calibration  
- **DORIS**: Precise orbit determination via ground beacons  

### Institutional Role  
- **Programme**: Part of the Copernicus Sentinel series (Sentinel-6 spacecraft family)  
- **Partnership**: ESA/EUMETSAT for operations, NASA/NOAA for instruments, CNES for validation  
- **Continuity**: Succeeds Jason-3 mission, with Sentinel-6B planned as a follow-on  

### Technical Specifications  
- **SCN ID**: 46984  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2020-086A  
- **NSSDC ID**: 2020-086A  
- **Wikipedia Presence**: Active in 5 languages (English, French, German, Chinese, Persian)  
- **Image Reference**: [Spacecraft model](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Sentinel-6_Jason-CS_spacecraft_model.png)

## References

1. [Source](https://www.eumetsat.int/website/home/Satellites/FutureSatellites/CopernicusSatellites/Sentinel6/index.html)
2. [Source](http://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Copernicus/Sentinel-6_satellite_renamed_in_honour_of_renowned_US_scientist)
3. [Source](https://sentinel.esa.int/web/sentinel/missions/sentinel-6/mission-summary)
4. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-awards-launch-services-contract-for-sentinel-6a-mission)
5. Jonathan's Space Report
6. [Source](https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/EarthObservation/Sentinel6_facts_2015.pdf)
7. [Sentinel-6 (Jason-CS)](https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/EarthObservation/Sentinel6_facts_2015.pdf)
8. [Source](https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Copernicus/Sentinel-6)
9. [Source](https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/11/sentinel-6-michael-freilich-launch/)
10. [Source](https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Copernicus/Sentinel-6/New_Copernicus_satellite_to_monitor_sea-level_rise_launched)
11. [Source](https://sealevel.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/jasoncs/)
12. [Source](https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/press_kits/sentinel-6/mission/spacecraft/)
13. [Source](https://www.wmo-sat.info/oscar/satellites/view/479)