The next launch of SpaceX Falcon 9 is scheduled to bring a new satellite from NASA and the European Space Agency into orbit on Saturday.
The payload will be the Michael Freilich Sentinel-6 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 is named after the former director of NASA's Geosciences Department, Michael Freilich, who is considered a pioneer in performing oceanographic work from orbit.
The new ocean spy bird will be able to measure the sea level for 90% of the oceans around the globe within a few centimeters. A twin satellite called Sentinel-6B will join the effort upon launch in 2025. The instruments on the new satellites will also provide data on air temperature and humidity, which will help improve weather forecasts, according to NASA.
The mission begins with the rather infrequent take-off from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. A statement from Vandenberg warns that multiple sonic booms will be heard in parts of Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties as the Falcon 9's first stage returns to land after the satellite is lifted toward orbit. This should be done approximately eight minutes after you take off.
The start is currently set for Saturday at 9:17 a.m. (local time). You can watch it via the live feed embedded below.
It could turn out to be a very busy day for SpaceX, which is also planning to launch its latest Starlink satellites from Florida just 10 hours later.
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