Image of Sentinel-6 / Michael Freelich satellite in orbit.
ESA
The launch of the next SpaceX Falcon 9 will take the new and European space agency satellite into orbit on Saturday.
The payload will be the Sentinel-6 Michael Freelich satellite, the latest in a series of satellites that have provided vital data on sea level rise and climate change for nearly three decades. It’s named after Michael Freelich, a former director of NASA’s Department of Earth Sciences, who is considered a pioneer in orbital oceanography.
The new sea-spy bird will be able to measure sea level within a few centimeters in 90% of the world’s oceans. A twin satellite called Sentinel-6B will join the effort when it launches in 2025. Equipment on the new satellites will also provide data on atmospheric temperature and humidity, which will help improve weather forecasts, according to NASA.
The mission begins with a very rare launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. A statement from Waldenberg warned that multiple sonic booms could be heard in parts of Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties when the Falcon 9 returns to landing after moving the satellite into orbit in the first phase. It should be done about eight minutes after the liftoff.
The lift off is currently Saturday at 9:17 a.m. P.T. Is set to, and you can see through the live feed embedded below.
That could prove to be a very busy day for SpaceX, which also plans to launch the latest batch of Starlink satellites from Florida 10 minutes later.
