# Sentinel-6B

> Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q102424501](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q102424501)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sentinel-6B)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sentinel-6b

## Summary
Sentinel-6B is an Earth observation satellite launched on November 17, 2025, to ensure the continuity of sea-level measurements as part of the Jason-CS mission. It operates in low Earth orbit and is a component of the European Copernicus programme. The satellite is managed by a coalition of international partners, including EUMETSAT, ESA, NASA, and NOAA.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** November 17, 2025, at 05:21:32 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Falcon 9 Block 5 (Serial No. B1097).
- **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.
- **Orbit:** Low Earth Orbit.
- **Operator:** EUMETSAT (European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites).
- **Manufacturer:** Airbus Defence and Space (General Contractor); Thales Alenia Space and Beyond Gravity (Subcontractors).
- **Dimensions:** Length 5.30 m, Width 4.17 m, Height 2.34 m.
- **Identifiers:** COSPAR ID 2025-264A; Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 66514.
- **Aliases:** Jason-CS B, Jason Continuity of Service B, S6B.
- **Power System:** Photovoltaic system.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Sentinel-6B launched?
A: Sentinel-6B was successfully launched on November 17, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket.

### Q: Who manufactures and operates Sentinel-6B?
A: The satellite was manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space (with Thales Alenia Space and Beyond Gravity as subcontractors) and is operated by EUMETSAT.

### Q: What is the purpose of Sentinel-6B?
A: As part of the Sentinel-6 family and the Jason Continuity of Service mission, it serves as an Earth observation satellite designed to collect environmental data.

### Q: Which organizations sponsor the Sentinel-6B mission?
A: The mission is sponsored by the European Commission, ESA (European Space Agency), EUMETSAT, NASA, NOAA, and CNES.

## Why It Matters
Sentinel-6B represents a critical continuation of the Jason-CS (Continuity of Service) mission, ensuring that the long-term global record of sea-level measurements remains unbroken. As part of the European Copernicus programme, this satellite provides essential data for climate monitoring, weather forecasting, and environmental science. By operating in low Earth orbit, it supports international efforts to understand ocean circulation and climate change. The collaboration between major space agencies—including ESA, NASA, NOAA, and EUMETSAT—highlights its global importance. Its launch in late 2025 extends the legacy of high-precision ocean altimetry, allowing scientists and policymakers to make informed decisions based on consistent, reliable data regarding the state of the Earth's oceans.

## Notable For
- **Mission Continuity:** Ensures the uninterrupted collection of sea-level data as the successor in the Jason-CS series.
- **International Collaboration:** A joint mission involving the European Commission, ESA, EUMETSAT, NASA, NOAA, and CNES.
- **Specific Launch Hardware:** Launched aboard the Falcon 9 Block 5 booster B1097, marking its third flight (B1097.3).
- **Copernicus Component:** Serves as a vital part of the Sentinel programme, the Earth observation component of the EU's Copernicus programme.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Sentinel-6B is classified as an Earth observation satellite and operates as part of the Sentinel-6 family. It is also known by the aliases Jason-CS B, Jason Continuity of Service B, and S6B. The satellite is an instance of the Sentinel-6 class and functions within the broader scope of the Sentinel programme, specifically supporting the Copernicus initiative.

### Development and Manufacturing
The satellite was constructed by a consortium of aerospace manufacturers. **Airbus Defence and Space** served as the general contractor. **Thales Alenia Space** and **Beyond Gravity** participated as subcontractors in the development and production of the spacecraft.

### Technical Specifications
Sentinel-6B features a specific physical envelope designed for its orbital operations:
- **Length:** 5.30 metres
- **Width:** 4.17 metres
- **Height:** 2.34 metres

The spacecraft is powered by a **photovoltaic system** designed to generate electricity in the space environment. It operates in a **low Earth orbit** with the Earth as its parent astronomical body.

### Launch Details
The satellite was successfully deployed into orbit on **November 17, 2025**. The launch took place at **05:21:32** UTC from **Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East**.
- **Rocket:** The launch vehicle used was a **Falcon 9 Block 5**.
- **Booster:** The specific first-stage booster utilized was **B1097**, flying its third mission (designated B1097.3).

### Governance and Operation
The mission is a product of extensive international cooperation. The **sponsors** include:
- European Space Agency (ESA)
- EUMETSAT
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- CNES (Centre National d'Études Spatiales)
- European Commission

While multiple agencies sponsor the mission, **EUMETSAT** is listed as the primary operator of the satellite.

### Identifiers
- **COSPAR ID:** 2025-264A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 66514
- **Wikipedia Title:** Sentinel-6B
- **Wikidata Description:** Earth observation satellite

## References

1. [Source](https://www.eumetsat.int/website/home/Satellites/FutureSatellites/CopernicusSatellites/Sentinel6/index.html)
2. [Source](https://sentinel.esa.int/web/sentinel/missions/sentinel-6/mission-summary)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2025/11/sentinel-6b-falcon-9/)
5. [Source](https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/EarthObservation/Sentinel6_facts_2015.pdf)
6. [Source](https://sealevel.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/jasoncs/)