SpaceX launches a new NASA satellite and lands with a boom

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket sent a new satellite from NASA and the European Space Agency on its way to orbit from California on Saturday morning. The Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite is the latest in a series of satellites that have provided critical data on sea level rise and climate change for nearly three decades. It is named after the former director of NASA’s Earth Sciences Division, Michael Freilich, who is considered a pioneer in conducting oceanography work from orbit.

The new ocean spy bird will be able to measure sea level in a few centimeters for 90% of the world’s oceans. A twin satellite called Sentinel-6B will join the effort when it launches in 2025. Instruments on the new satellites will also provide data on atmospheric temperature and humidity that will help improve weather forecasts, according to NASA.

The mission began with a rather rare launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base on the west coast of the US A statement from Vandenberg sent earlier in the week warned that multiple sonic booms could be heard in parts of Santa counties. Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo of California when Falcon 9’s first stage returned to land after bringing the satellite into orbit.

The loud pops could be heard on the mission webcast just before the Falcon 9’s first stage successfully landed a short distance from the launch pad. Check out the feed for yourself below.

It’s just the start of a busy day for SpaceX, which is also planning to launch its latest batch of Starlink satellites from Florida.