SpaceX F9 : Sentinel-6A Michael Freilich : Vand. : Nov. 21, 2020 (17:17 UTC)

[FutureSpaceTourist]

More photos from SpaceX

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/spacexfleet/status/1330338325887131648

Sentinel-6: NRC Quest appears to have finished fairing recovery operations and has departed the splashdown site.

Expected to arrive at the Port of Los Angeles around 7:30 am local time tomorrow (22nd) but might to be a little later.

We won't know the outcome until they arrive.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/sandovalphotos/status/1330326202289070080

Ignition! Look at all that water! #Sentinel6 #SpaceX #Falcon9 @SpaceflightNow @30thSpaceWing

[Elthiryel]

The wikipedia page lists the inclination of Sentinel-6A as 66.0°. Does this mean this was a prograde launch? That seems unusual for Vandenberg. Does that mean they did a dogleg before turning prograde southwards along the Baja peninsula?

Why not do this launch from KSC? Inclination too high and it would run into the US east coast?

Yes, it was a prograde launch, similar to Jason-3 in 2016. I was trying to find what the inclination upper limit for KSC/CCAFS launches is and I think for shuttle it was 57 degrees.

EDIT: Added ground track from the Raul map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1wvgFIPuOmI8da9EIB88tHo9vamo&ll=32.689590180655514%2C-118.47475235855326&z=7

[jacqmans]

Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich liftoff replay
21/11/2020

Watch the replay of Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich lifting off from the Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, US, on 21 November 2020. Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich is the first of two identical satellites to provide critical measurements of sea-level change. This latest Copernicus satellite will continue the long-term record of reference measurements, extending the record of sea-level height into a fourth decade. Mapping 95% of Earth’s ice-free ocean every 10 days, it will also provide crucial operational data for ocean forecasting.

The Copernicus Sentinel-6 mission is a true example of international cooperation. While Sentinel-6 is one of the European Union’s family of Copernicus missions, its implementation is the result of the unique collaboration between ESA, NASA, Eumetsat and NOAA, with contribution from the French space agency CNES.

[jacqmans]

New Copernicus satellite to monitor sea-level rise launched
21/11/2020

The Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite has been launched into orbit around Earth on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Using the latest radar altimetry technology, this new satellite is set to  provide a new overview of ocean topography and advance the long-term record of sea-surface height measurements that began in 1992 – measurements that are essential for climate science, for policy-making and, ultimately, for protecting the lives of millions at risk of sea-level rise.

Carrying the 1.2 tonne Sentinel-6 satellite, the Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, US, at 17:17 GMT (18:17 CET, 09:17 PST) on 21 November. The satellite was delivered into orbit just under an hour after liftoff and contact was established at the ground station in Alaska at 19:49 CET.

ESA's Director of Earth Observation Programmes, Josef Aschbacher, said, “I'm extremely proud to have seen Copernicus Sentinel-6 liftoff this evening and know that it's well on its way to starting its mission of continuing the measurements of sea level that are so needed to understand and monitor the worrying trend of rising seas. I would not only like to thank the ESA teams that have worked so hard to get to this point, but also the EC, Eumetsat, NASA, NOAA and CNES, and, of course, we very much look forward to further fruitful cooperation between our respective organisations.”

With millions of people living in coastal communities around the world, rising seas are at the top of the list of major concerns linked to climate change. Monitoring sea-surface height is critical to understanding the changes taking place so that decision-makers have the evidence to implement appropriate policies to help curb climate change and for authorities to take action to protect vulnerable communities.

Over the last three decades, the French–US Topex-Poseidon and Jason mission series served as reference missions, and in combination with ESA’s earlier ERS and Envisat satellites, as well as today’s CryoSat and Copernicus Sentinel-3, they have shown how sea level has risen about 3.2 mm on average every year. More alarmingly, this rate of rise has been accelerating; over the last few years, the average rate of rise has been 4.8 mm a year.

Now in orbit, Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich will soon pick up the baton and extend this dataset – a dataset that is the ‘gold standard’ for climate studies. The mission comprises two identical satellites launched sequentially – so in five years, Copernicus Sentinel-6B will be launched to take over. The mission as a whole will ensure the continuity of data until at least 2030.

Each satellite carries a radar altimeter, which works by measuring the time it takes for radar pulses to travel to Earth’s surface and back again to the satellite. Combined with precise satellite location data, altimetry measurements yield the height of the sea surface.

The satellites’ instrument package also includes an advanced microwave radiometer that accounts for the amount of water vapour in atmosphere, which affects the speed of the altimeter’s radar pulses.

While heritage has been key to the mission’s design, Sentinel-6 brings, for the first time, synthetic aperture radar into the altimetry reference mission time series. To ensure that no bias is introduced into the time series, the radar instrument operates in a continuous burst mode, simultaneously providing conventional low-resolution mode measurements and the improved performance of synthetic aperture radar processing.

To ensure that the data time series is continuous despite the change of instrument technologies, Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich is spending its first year in orbit flying just 30 seconds behind Jason-3.

Orbiting at an altitude of over 1300 km and reaching 66°N and 66°S, Sentinel-6 provides sufficient measurements to map the height of the sea surface over 95% of the world’s ice-free oceans every 10 days.

While Sentinel-6 is one of the European Union’s family of Copernicus missions, its implementation is the result of a unique cooperation between the European Commission ESA, Eumetsat, NASA and NOAA, with contribution from the CNES French space agency.

The European Commission’s Director-General for Defence Industry and Space, Timo Pesonen, said, “We are very pleased to welcome this newcomer to the EU’s fleet of Copernicus Sentinel satellites. Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich will enable delivering enhanced products and information concerning the oceans and the atmosphere to improve the daily lives of our citizens. The arrival of this satellite is another success for Copernicus, for Europe, for all mission partners and worldwide.”

ESA has been responsible for the development of the Poseidon-4 radar altimeter and development of the Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, as a whole. It is also responsible for the procurement of Copernicus Sentinel-6B on behalf of the European Commission and Eumetsat.

Transfer of ownership goes to the EC at the point of liftoff. ESA takes care of the early orbit phase as well as in-orbit verification planning, and supports flight operations performed by Eumetsat.

Eumetsat is responsible for the development of the ground segment and for operations after the launch and early orbit phases. Eumetsat processes the data and delivers the data products services to European users.

Eumetsat’s Director General, Alain Ratier, said, “Data from Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich will be the most accurate yet and will be used to gain a deeper understanding of global sea-level rise, a key indicator of climate change. The data will also be used for weather forecasting, from improving the accuracy of seasonal forecasts to predicting the tracks of hurricanes and cyclones.”

NASA has the responsibility for the launch services, the development of the microwave radiometer, the laser retroreflector and GNSS radio occultation receiver. It also provides ground segment support and contributes to the operations and data processing in the US. NASA and NOAA share responsibility for the distribution of data products to users in the US.

“Mike Freilich helped ensure NASA was a steadfast partner with scientists and space agencies worldwide, and his love of oceanography and Earth science helped us improve the understanding of our beautiful planet," said Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA's Associate Administrator for Science at the Agency's Headquarters in Washington. “This satellite, so graciously named for him by our European partners, will carry out the critical work Mike so believed in – adding to a legacy of crucial data about our oceans and paying it forward for the benefit of future generations.”

https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Copernicus/Sentinel-6/New_Copernicus_satellite_to_monitor_sea-level_rise_launched

[jacqmans]

November 21, 2020
RELEASE 20-116

NASA, US and European Partners Launch Mission to Monitor Global Ocean

A joint U.S.-European satellite built to monitor global sea levels lifted off on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California Saturday at 9:17 a.m. PST (12:17 p.m. EST).

About the size of a small pickup truck, Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich will extend a nearly 30-year continuous dataset on sea level collected by an ongoing collaboration of U.S. and European satellites while enhancing weather forecasts and providing detailed information on large-scale ocean currents to support ship navigation near coastlines.

"The Earth is changing, and this satellite will help deepen our understanding of how," said Karen St. Germain, director of NASA's Earth Science Division. "The changing Earth processes are affecting sea level globally, but the impact on local communities varies widely. International collaboration is critical to both understanding these changes and informing coastal communities around the world."

After arriving in orbit, the spacecraft separated from the rocket's second stage and unfolded its twin sets of solar arrays. Ground controllers successfully acquired the satellite's signal, and initial telemetry reports showed the spacecraft in good health. Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich will now undergo a series of exhaustive checks and calibrations before it starts collecting science data in a few months' time.

Continuing the Legacy

The spacecraft is named in honor of Michael Freilich, the former director of NASA's Earth Science Division, who was a leading figure in advancing ocean observations from space. Freilich passed away Aug. 5, 2020. His close family and friends attended the launch of the satellite that now carries his name.

"Michael was a tireless force in Earth sciences. Climate change and sea level rise know no national borders, and he championed international collaboration to confront the challenge," said ESA (European Space Agency) Director of Earth Observation Programmes Josef Aschbacher. "It's fitting that a satellite in his name will continue the 'gold standard' of sea level measurements for the next half-decade. This European-U.S. cooperation is exemplary and will pave the way for more cooperation opportunities in Earth observation."

"Mike helped ensure NASA was a steadfast partner with scientists and space agencies worldwide, and his love of oceanography and Earth science helped us improve understanding of our beautiful planet," added Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA associate administrator for science at the agency's headquarters. "This satellite so graciously named for him by our European partners will carry out the critical work Mike so believed in – adding to a legacy of crucial data about our oceans and paying it forward for the benefit of future generations."

Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich will continue the sea level record that began in 1992 with the TOPEX/Poseidon satellite and continued with Jason-1 (2001), OSTM/Jason-2 (2008), and eventually Jason-3, which has been observing the oceans since 2016. Together, these satellites have provided a nearly 30-year record of precise measurements of sea level height while tracking the rate at which our oceans are rising in response to our warming climate. Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich will pass the baton to its twin, Sentinel-6B, in 2025, extending the current climate record at least another 10 years between the two satellites.

Global Science Impact

This latest mission marks the first international involvement in Copernicus, the European Union's Earth Observation Programme. Along with measuring sea levels for almost the entire globe, Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich's suite of scientific instruments will also make atmospheric measurements that can be used to complement climate models and help meteorologists make better weather forecasts.

"NASA is but one of several partners involved in Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, but this satellite speaks to the very core of our mission," said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. "Whether 800 miles above Earth with this remarkable spacecraft or traveling to Mars to look for signs of life, whether providing farmers with agricultural data or aiding first responders with our Disasters program, we are tirelessly committed not just to learning and exploring, but to having an impact where it's needed."

The initial orbit of Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich is about 12.5 miles (20.1 kilometers) lower than its ultimate operational orbit of 830 miles (1,336 kilometers). In less than a month, the satellite will receive commands to raise its orbit, trailing Jason-3 by about 30 seconds. Mission scientists and engineers will then spend about a year cross-calibrating data collected by the two satellites to ensure the continuity of sea level measurements from one satellite to the next. Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich will then take over as the primary sea level satellite and Jason-3 will provide a supporting role until the end of its mission.

"This mission is the very essence of partnership, precision, and incredible long-term focus," said Michael Watkins, director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, which manages the mission. "Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich not only provides a critical measurement, it is essential for continuing this historic multi-decadal sea level record."

Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich and Sentinel-6B compose the Sentinel-6/Jason-CS (Continuity of Service) mission developed in partnership with ESA. ESA is developing the new Sentinel family of missions to support the operational needs of the Copernicus program, managed by the European Commission. Other partners include the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, with funding support from the European Commission and technical support from France's National Centre for Space Studies.

"The data from this satellite, which is so critical for climate monitoring and weather forecasting, will be of unprecedented accuracy," said EUMETSAT Director-General Alain Ratier. "These data, which can only be obtained by measurements from space, will bring a wide range of benefits to people around the globe, from safer ocean travel to more precise prediction of hurricane paths, from greater understanding of sea level rise to more accurate seasonal weather forecasts, and so much more."

JPL, a division of Caltech in Pasadena, California, is contributing three science instruments to each Sentinel-6 satellite: the Advanced Microwave Radiometer for Climate, the Global Navigation Satellite System – Radio Occultation, and the Laser Retroreflector Array. NASA is also contributing launch services, ground systems supporting operation of the NASA science instruments, the science data processors for two of these instruments, and support for the U.S. component of the international Ocean Surface Topography Science Team. The launch is managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program, based at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Read the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich press kit:

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/press_kits/sentinel-6/

To learn more about Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/sentinel-6

https://www.esa.int/Sentinel-6

https://edefis.eu/CopernicusFactsheets

https://www.eumetsat.int/website/home/Copernicus/copernicus-sentinel-6/index.html

[ugordan]

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/spacexfleet/status/1330497281808887810

NRC Quest arrival in Los Angeles now expected just after 9am PST today (22nd).

[ChrisC]

https://youtube.com/watch?v=AKZOXaEHOIY

One of the better views of RTLS we've had!  Thanks for finding and linking.

Note landing burn ignition at 5m05s and how the attitude immediately gets yanked over.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/w00ki33/status/1330574141372526593

NRC Quest is docked at Port of LA if anyone wants to grab some pics of fairing recovery! I can’t make it today.

[JAFO]

Landing from the ramp at Lompoc City Airport. "What a way to come to California!!"

(I'll bet the person taking the video was swearing at their camera, which kept going in/out of focus.)

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/slc4_lz2/status/1330616896878592000

Best pics I could get of #Sentinel6 fairings SpaceX Paparazzi!! @SpaceXFleet

[Vettedrmr]

Look to be in decent shape!

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/codecurmudgeon/status/1330638558252568576

The SpaceX fairings from yesterday’s launch @SpaceXFleet thanks for the tip @thejackbeyer

Edit to add:

https://twitter.com/codecurmudgeon/status/1330641434018340865

A few more from SpaceX launch fairings @thejackbeyer @spacexfleet

[jacqmans]

Seeing the seas – “Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich” satellite successfully lifted off into space

Vandenberg/California, 21 November 2020 – The Airbus-built European ocean satellite "Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich" has successfully begun its “Seeing-the-Seas” mission. On 21 November 2020 the satellite lifted-off from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, USA. Approximately one and a half hours after the launch, the first signals from the spacecraft were received by a ground station in Alaska.

The Copernicus Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich will carry out high-precision measurements of ocean surface topography. The satellite will measure its distance to the ocean surface with an accuracy of a few centimetres and use this data to map it, repeating the cycle every 10 days, with the mission lasting up to seven years.

Along with measuring global sea level rise and ocean circulation, the satellite will record vertical profiles of atmospheric temperature and humidity.

“The mission findings will enable governments and institutions to establish effective protection for coastal regions. The data will be invaluable not only for disaster relief organisations, but also for authorities involved in urban planning, securing buildings or commissioning dykes. The data will also help scientists to further improve weather forecasts and hurricane predictions” said Philippe Pham, Head of Earth Observation, Navigation and Science at Airbus.

The satellite is on a 1336 km non-Sun-synchronous orbit with an inclination of 66 degrees so that it passes over locations at different times of the day and night, enabling it to measure changes that may vary throughout 24-hours, like the tides.

Global sea levels are currently rising by an average of 3.3 millimetres a year as a result of global warming; this could potentially have dramatic consequences for countries with densely populated coastal areas.

The Sentinel-6 mission is part of the European Union Copernicus Programme for environment. This mission comprises two satellites and has been developed under Airbus’ industrial leadership. While it is a European mission, Sentinel-6 is a true example of international cooperation: it has been jointly developed by ESA, NASA, EUMETSAT and NOAA, with support from CNES.

Each satellite carries a radar altimeter, which works by measuring the time it takes for radar pulses to travel to the surface and back again to the satellite. Combined with precise satellite location data, altimetry measurements yield the height of the sea surface.

The satellites’ instrument package also includes an advanced microwave radiometer that accounts for the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere, which affects the speed of the altimeter’s radar pulses.

The satellite weighs approximately 1.5 tons. Now starting with Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, the satellites will collect satellite-based measurements of the oceans’ surfaces, continuing a task that first began in 1992. The second Sentinel-6 spacecraft is expected to follow in 2025.

https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2020/11/seeing-the-seas--sentinel6-michael-freilich-satellite-successfully-lifted-off-into-space.html

[DaveJes1979]

Because of the exquisite weather, viewing the launch from Ocean Ave at the Floradale cross-street was actually an excellent experience. While it was certainly noticeable that we were further away (about 6.7 miles from the pad), it was much better than I expected. I haven't seen a daytime RTLS before, and I was surprised at how well I could see the falling booster after the reentry burn and before the landing burn.

Nonetheless, in the future I hope they will consider putting the roadblock back to the Union Sugar cross-street.  I wonder if someone actually did a 3-sigma safety study to justify this move, or if it was just some overly-cautious bureaucrat deciding this.

[jcm]

Launch Hazard Areas for mission 1478 Sentinel-6 MF from VAFB SLC-4E planned for Nov 21 17:17 UTC, altern. Nov 22-25 based on issued NOTMARs.
RTLS LZ-4 landing for booster 1063.1.
PLanned Stage2 debris reentry on the second orbit in south Pacific.

Something a little odd here:  Space-Track gives several TLEs for Stage 2 with the last one epoch 2208 UTC. And it gives a reentry date of Nov 22 (GMT). This is inconsistent with the NOTAM region given here.

[Rondaz]

The second stage of the Falcon 9 that launched Sentinel-6 has been deorbited from its1330 km insertion orbit, according to the decay notice on Space-Track

https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1331030619099459584

[jacqmans]