A new ocean-observing satellite, Sentinel-6B, was launched on Monday from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, to track rising sea levels and ocean conditions. The NASA-NOAA-ESA mission aims to deliver precise data that will improve weather forecasting, storm warnings, and the protection of coastal infrastructure.

BulletsIn:

•  New ocean-tracking satellite launched Monday
• Liftoff from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California
• Measures sea levels, temperature, and ocean conditions
• Orbits Earth at 7.2 km/sec; one orbit every 112 minutes
• Data crucial for weather forecasting, storm & flood prediction
• Helps secure undersea pipelines, cables, and shipping routes
• Joint mission: NASA, NOAA, European Space Agency
• Continues decades-long sea-level monitoring program since the 1990s
• Works alongside twin satellite Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich (in orbit since 2020)”
•  Provides sea-level readings accurate to ~1 inch across 90% of oceans