# Sentinel-6

> family of Earth observation satellites

**Wikidata**: [Q63871984](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q63871984)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sentinel-6

## Summary
Sentinel-6 is a family of Earth observation satellites developed as part of the European Space Agency's Copernicus program. It serves as a continuation of the Jason-3 mission, focusing on precise sea level measurements to monitor climate change impacts. The program includes two satellites: Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich and Sentinel-6B.

## Key Facts
- Part of the Copernicus Sentinel program, a joint initiative by the European Space Agency (ESA), European Commission, and other partners.
- Follows the Jason-3 mission, ensuring continuity in sea level monitoring.
- Includes two satellites: Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich (launched in November 2020) and Sentinel-6B (planned for launch in 2025).
- Sponsored by ESA, EUMETSAT, NASA, NOAA, the European Commission, and CNES.
- Operated by EUMETSAT, with data used for climate research and oceanography.
- Manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space (general contractor) and Thales Alenia Space (subcontractor).
- Designed to measure sea surface height with high precision to track climate change effects.
- Part of the Jason-CS (Jason Continuity of Service) mission, ensuring long-term ocean monitoring.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of the Sentinel-6 mission?
A: The Sentinel-6 mission aims to provide precise measurements of sea surface height to monitor global sea level rise and ocean circulation, supporting climate research and weather forecasting.

### Q: Who operates the Sentinel-6 satellites?
A: The Sentinel-6 satellites are operated by EUMETSAT, the European organization for the exploitation of meteorological satellites.

### Q: How does Sentinel-6 differ from Jason-3?
A: Sentinel-6 serves as a direct successor to Jason-3, continuing the mission with improved technology and extended coverage to ensure uninterrupted sea level monitoring.

### Q: What are the key sponsors of Sentinel-6?
A: The key sponsors include the European Space Agency, EUMETSAT, NASA, NOAA, the European Commission, and CNES.

### Q: What is the significance of Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich?
A: Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich is named in honor of the late NASA scientist who played a crucial role in oceanography and climate research, reflecting the mission's scientific importance.

## Why It Matters
Sentinel-6 is essential for understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change, particularly sea level rise. By providing accurate measurements of ocean surface height, the mission supports climate models, weather forecasting, and coastal management. The data helps scientists track global sea level changes, ocean heat content, and the effects of melting ice sheets, contributing to global climate research and policy decisions. The mission ensures continuity from the Jason-3 mission, maintaining a critical long-term dataset for oceanography and climate science.

## Notable For
- First satellite in the Jason-CS series, ensuring uninterrupted sea level monitoring.
- Named after Michael Freilich, a prominent NASA scientist, honoring his contributions to oceanography.
- Operated by EUMETSAT, leveraging European meteorological expertise.
- Sponsored by a consortium of international space agencies and organizations.
- Provides high-precision data for climate research and ocean circulation studies.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Sentinel-6 is part of the Copernicus Sentinel program, a collaborative effort between the European Space Agency (ESA), European Commission, and other partners. The mission follows Jason-3, continuing the critical task of monitoring sea level rise and ocean circulation.

### Satellites
The Sentinel-6 family includes two satellites:
- **Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich**: Launched in November 2020, it is named after the late NASA scientist Michael Freilich.
- **Sentinel-6B**: Planned for launch in 2025, it will ensure long-term continuity of the mission.

### Sponsors and Partners
Key sponsors and partners include:
- European Space Agency (ESA)
- EUMETSAT (European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- European Commission
- Centre National d'Études Spatiales (CNES)

### Technology and Manufacturers
- **General Contractor**: Airbus Defence and Space
- **Subcontractors**: Thales Alenia Space and Beyond Gravity

### Data and Applications
Sentinel-6 provides high-precision measurements of sea surface height, supporting climate research, weather forecasting, and coastal management. The data is used to track global sea level changes, ocean heat content, and the impacts of climate change.

### Continuity and Legacy
Sentinel-6 ensures the continuity of the Jason-CS mission, maintaining a critical long-term dataset for oceanography and climate science. The mission builds on the success of Jason-3, providing improved technology and extended coverage.

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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Sentinel-6",
  "description": "Family of Earth observation satellites part of the Copernicus Sentinel program, continuing sea level monitoring from Jason-3.",
  "url": "http://www.esa.int/Sentinel-6",
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## References

1. [Source](https://www.eumetsat.int/website/home/Satellites/FutureSatellites/CopernicusSatellites/Sentinel6/index.html)
2. [sentinel-6 (jason–cs)](https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/EarthObservation/Sentinel6_facts_2015.pdf)
3. [Source](https://sentinel.esa.int/web/sentinel/missions/sentinel-6/mission-summary)
4. [Source](https://sealevel.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/jasoncs/)