Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich

The Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich (S6MF) or Sentinel-6A is a radar altimeter satellite developed in partnership between several European and American organizations. It is part of the Jason satellite series and is named after Michael Freilich. S6MF includes synthetic-aperture radar altimetry techniques to improve ocean topography measurements, in addition to rivers and lakes. The spacecraft entered service in mid 2021 and is expected to operate for 5.5 years.

Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich
Illustration of the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich spacecraft in orbit above Earth with its deployable solar panels extended
NamesSentinel-6A
Jason-CS A
Mission typeOceanography mission
OperatorEUMETSAT / NASA
COSPAR ID2020-086A
SATCAT no.46984
Websitewww.eumetsat.int/sentinel-6
Mission duration5.5 years (planned)
3 years, 2 months and 20 days (in progress)
Spacecraft properties
BusSentinel-6
ManufacturerAirbus Defence and Space
Launch mass1,192 kg (2,628 lb)
Dimensions5.13 x 4.17 x 2.34 metres
Power891 watts
Start of mission
Launch date21 November 2020,
17:17:08 UTC
RocketFalcon 9 Block 5
Launch siteVandenberg, SLC-4E
ContractorSpaceX
Entered service21 June 2021
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit
RegimeLow Earth orbit
Altitude1,336 km (830 mi)
Inclination66.0°
Repeat interval10 days
Instruments
  • Radar altimeter
  • Advanced Microwave Radiometer (AMR-C)
  • GNSS Precise Orbit Determination (POD) Receiver
  • DORIS Receiver
  • Laser Reflector Array (LRA)
  • Radio-occultation instrument

Logo of the Sentinel-6 programme
 
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