Copernicus Sentinel-6B enters operational phase as EUMETSAT takes command

by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Nov 21, 2025

EUMETSAT's Mission Control Centre in Darmstadt, Germany, is now operating the Copernicus Sentinel-6B satellite, marking the beginning of its mission to monitor sea level and support climate science. Sentinel-6B was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on November 17, and transferred to EUMETSAT control just 2.5 days later as it completed its 33rd orbit. ESA's European Space Operations Centre first verified the satellite's health and placed it into orbit before handing responsibility to EUMETSAT.

The Copernicus Sentinel-6 mission is the latest in a series dedicated to measuring global sea level rise, continuing the record started by the TOPEX/Poseidon and Jason satellite missions. Sentinel-6B joins its twin, Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich (launched in 2020), initially flying in close formation to allow cross-calibration before Sentinel-6B becomes the world's reference for satellite ocean altimetry.

Equipped with the advanced Poseidon-4 radar altimeter, Sentinel-6B precisely measures sea-surface height, significant wave height, and wind speed across the globe. These measurements are crucial not only for climate monitoring but also for providing scientific data that feeds into weather forecasting and coastal protection systems. The satellite also collects high-resolution data on atmospheric temperature, pressure, and humidity, important for improving weather prediction models.

As the mission takes over as the new standard for global sea-level measurement, Julia Figa Saldana, EUMETSAT's Ocean Altimetry Programme Manager, remarked, "This handover marks the start of Copernicus Sentinel-6B's operational journey. Together with our European and US partners, we will soon begin the commissioning and calibration phase to ensure the mission continues the legacy of high-precision ocean measurements on which scientists, forecasters, and decision-makers rely. Our immediate focus is on validating the scientific information provided by the satellite and preparing for operational data delivery."

Mauro Facchini, Head of Earth Observation Unit at the European Commission (DEFIS), commented, "We are thrilled to see Copernicus Sentinel-6B safely in orbit and now under EUMETSAT's control. This milestone is another success for Europe's flagship Copernicus and its partners. With EUMETSAT leading operations, the Copernicus Sentinel-6B mission will continue to deliver the world's most accurate ocean and climate data - turning Europe's investment in space into concrete benefits for citizens, the environment, and our shared prosperity."

Copernicus Sentinel-6B's data set is free and openly available, in line with the Copernicus data policy. It will support scientific, technical, and operational applications globally, including validation of ocean and climate models, disaster planning, sustainable marine industries, and river and lake monitoring.