Abstract's details
Recent Progress in altimetry Cal/Val for all operating satellite modes at the ESA Permanent Facility for Altimetry Calibration (with focus on Sentinel-6B)
Event: 2026 Sentinel-6 Validation Team meeting
Session: S6VT plenary session
Presentation type: Oral
As the global satellite altimetry constellation continues to expand in scope and complexity, the stability of the long-term climate record relies on a consistent and well-structured calibration and validation (Cal/Val). This effort extends across the full mission lifecycle—from pre-launch instrument characterization, through commissioning, supported by tandem phase, and into operations.
In this context, we present recent progress at the ESA Permanent Facility for Altimetry Calibration (ESA-PFAC) in Crete and Gavdos, Greece for range sea-surface height, sigma0 and wind calibration. The facility serves as a critical hub for multi-stage, long-term, traceable Fiducial Reference Measurements (FRM), supporting a wide range of altimetry missions, including Sentinel-6A/B, Sentinel-3A/B, and CryoSat-2.
One of the practical challenges in current altimetry missions is the coexistence of different operating modes—such as Low-Resolution Mode, SAR, and Fully-Focused SAR—which can introduce measurable differences in performance. At ESA-PFAC, this is addressed through a combination of complementary measurement systems, including transponders, corner reflectors, and sea-surface height Cal/Val. Novel techniques such as Sea State Optical and GNSS-Interferometric Reflectometry are evaluated for significant wave height and wind calibration.
We also present results from tandem phases, including the Jason-3/Sentinel-6A and Sentinel-6A/Sentinel-6B campaigns. Finally, we outline practical considerations for maintaining stable reference systems and managing uncertainties in a multi-mission context. We also discuss ongoing and future developments at ESA-PFAC, aimed at supporting upcoming Earth Observation missions and contributing to the continuity of the global sea-level record.
Back to the list of abstractIn this context, we present recent progress at the ESA Permanent Facility for Altimetry Calibration (ESA-PFAC) in Crete and Gavdos, Greece for range sea-surface height, sigma0 and wind calibration. The facility serves as a critical hub for multi-stage, long-term, traceable Fiducial Reference Measurements (FRM), supporting a wide range of altimetry missions, including Sentinel-6A/B, Sentinel-3A/B, and CryoSat-2.
One of the practical challenges in current altimetry missions is the coexistence of different operating modes—such as Low-Resolution Mode, SAR, and Fully-Focused SAR—which can introduce measurable differences in performance. At ESA-PFAC, this is addressed through a combination of complementary measurement systems, including transponders, corner reflectors, and sea-surface height Cal/Val. Novel techniques such as Sea State Optical and GNSS-Interferometric Reflectometry are evaluated for significant wave height and wind calibration.
We also present results from tandem phases, including the Jason-3/Sentinel-6A and Sentinel-6A/Sentinel-6B campaigns. Finally, we outline practical considerations for maintaining stable reference systems and managing uncertainties in a multi-mission context. We also discuss ongoing and future developments at ESA-PFAC, aimed at supporting upcoming Earth Observation missions and contributing to the continuity of the global sea-level record.