NASA, SpaceX Launch Pickup Truck-Sized Satellite — Here's How Sentinel-6B Can Help With Flood Predictions

This illustration shows the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich spacecraft in orbit above Earth with its deployable solar panels extended. (Credit: NASA.gov/Elyna Niles-Carnes)

NASA confirmed a smooth launch for Sentinel-6B from California on 16 November 2025. SpaceX carried the pickup-truck-sized NASA satellite into orbit during a clear night over Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Engineers began tracking early signals soon after separation from Falcon 9. Mission teams expect stronger sea level forecasts once readings reach ground systems.