Sentinel-6B Satellite

Sentinel-6B Satellite Latest News

Recently, the Sentinel-6B was launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. 

About Sentinel-6B Satellite

• It is a joint mission between the United States’ NASA and NOAA, and the European Space Agency.
• Objective: It is an ocean-tracking satellite which will measure the rising sea levels and its impacts on the planet. 
• Sentinel-6B is set to carry forward the legacy of Sentinel -6 Michael Freilich, launched in November 2020.
• It will orbit Earth at a speed of 7.2 km per second, completing one revolution every 112 minutes.
• Sentinel-6B will provide primary sea level measurements down to approximately an inch from over 90% of all the oceans.

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Components of Sentinel-6B Satellite

• It consists of six onboard science instruments.
• The satellite has two fixed solar arrays, plus two deployable solar panels, and will travel in a longitude direction around Earth in a non-Sun-synchronous orbit.
• It is expected to spend the next 5.5 years in orbit.

Significance of Sentinel-6B Satellite

• It observes Earth’s ocean, measuring sea levels to improve weather forecasts and flood predictions.
• It safeguards public safety, benefits commercial industry, and protects coastal infrastructure.

Source: IE