Tracking Oceans from Space

NASA has announced the upcoming launch of the Sentinel-6B satellite, part of an international mission aimed at enhancing global sea level and ocean monitoring. The launch is scheduled for November 17, 2025, at 12:21 a.m. EST, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

Sentinel-6B is designed to extend the decades-long record of precise sea level and ocean data that aids in weather forecasting, protects coastal infrastructure, and supports maritime activities. This data continuity is critical as climate change impacts accelerate, affecting sea levels globally. The mission represents a collaboration among NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), and NOAA, with additional support from the European Commission and technical expertise from France’s CNES.

Prelaunch activities will be broadcast live, starting from 11:30 p.m. EST on November 16, available on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and other platforms. Special features of the coverage include a prelaunch teleconference with key mission directors and project managers, providing insights into the mission’s objectives and expected outcomes. The public can also participate virtually in the launch, with NASA offering curated resources and updates as part of its virtual guest program.

For more information on how to view the launch or participate in related events, visit NASA’s official website or follow their social media updates. Sentinel-6B is poised to build upon the legacy of its predecessor, Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, enhancing our understanding of Earth’s oceans and their role in the global ecosystem.