TomaJo
Member
The US and European space agencies have launched the Sentinel-6 satellite to monitor sea-level rise. The new machine is about the size of an SUV. It sends electromagnetic signals to the ocean and measures the time after which they return. Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich is capable of measuring sea level to the nearest centimeter on 90% of the world's oceans. It also features an Advanced Microwave Radiometer (AMR-C) and Altimeter, which will enable researchers to observe smaller and more complex marine features along coastlines, as well as smaller sea-level fluctuations closer to the coast that could affect navigation. In addition, the data collected by Sentinel-6 is expected to help improve weather forecasting. This data, which can only be obtained through measurements from space, will bring many benefits to people around the world. From safer ocean travel to more accurate hurricane route prediction. From a deeper understanding of sea-level rise to more accurate seasonal weather forecasts, and more. The Sentinel-6 will be tested and calibrated over the next few months. Once the spacecraft reaches its working orbit of 1336 km, it will enter a trajectory about 30 seconds behind the Jason-3 satellite. Researchers will spend a year cross-calibrating data from two satellites to ensure smooth switching and continuous sea-level observations. The mission will last five and a half years before an identical satellite, Sentinel-6B, is launched, which will take over surveillance duties for the rest of the decade.