Abstract's details
Radar altimetry pulse-to-pulse correlation effects: data-driven characterization from S6A/S6B tandem phase
Event: 2026 Sentinel-6 Validation Team meeting
Session: S6VT plenary session
Presentation type: Oral
With the recent launch and current commissioning of Sentinel-6 B, the tandem flight phase with Sentinel-6 MF offers a unique opportunity to assess the impact of on-board acquisition parameters on altimetric performance. Notably, one full cycle of Sentinel-6 B (cycle 7) was operated with a reduced Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF) of 2 kHz as used on Jason-class missions, instead of the nominal 9 kHz applied on both Sentinel-6 MF and Sentinel-6 B that was designed to enhance delay-Doppler performance. Operating at higher PRF than the Walsh limit causes radar pulses to lose independence, introducing pulse-to-pulse correlation effects that can affect geophysical parameter estimation. This controlled configuration therefore enables a detailed evaluation of how PRF affects the quality and stability of the altimetric measurements.
In this study, we analyze the correlation and consistency of key geophysical parameters —including SSHA and primary retracker outputs— between Sentinel-6 B and Sentinel-6 MF, which currently operate in tandem with a 30 second time lag, thus observing nearly the same sea-surface scene. Special attention is given to the Sentinel-6 B – Sentinel-6 MF residuals, allowing us to characterize independently the effects of a PRF change on noise levels and potential wave-dependent biases of geophysical parameter retrievals from altimeter waveforms.
We place these findings in the broader context of the first Jason3/Sentinel-6 MF tandem phase, where Jason3 operated at a 2 kHz PRF while Sentinel-6 MF maintained the standard 9 kHz. This comparison provides valuable insight into the role of PRF in altimeter performance across missions and helps refine expectations for Sentinel-6 B operations and future calibration/validation activities.
Back to the list of abstractIn this study, we analyze the correlation and consistency of key geophysical parameters —including SSHA and primary retracker outputs— between Sentinel-6 B and Sentinel-6 MF, which currently operate in tandem with a 30 second time lag, thus observing nearly the same sea-surface scene. Special attention is given to the Sentinel-6 B – Sentinel-6 MF residuals, allowing us to characterize independently the effects of a PRF change on noise levels and potential wave-dependent biases of geophysical parameter retrievals from altimeter waveforms.
We place these findings in the broader context of the first Jason3/Sentinel-6 MF tandem phase, where Jason3 operated at a 2 kHz PRF while Sentinel-6 MF maintained the standard 9 kHz. This comparison provides valuable insight into the role of PRF in altimeter performance across missions and helps refine expectations for Sentinel-6 B operations and future calibration/validation activities.