description CryoSat-2 Overview
CryoSat-2 is an Earth observation satellite developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and launched in 2010. Its primary mission is to measure the thickness of sea ice and the elevation of polar ice sheets to understand how climate change affects Earth's cryosphere. It achieves this using the SAR/Interferometric Radar Altimeter (SIRAL), which provides precise elevation measurements even in harsh polar environments. This data is vital for climatologists studying global sea-level rise and polar ice dynamics.
insights Ranking position
CryoSat-2 ranks #13 of 187 in the Satellite ranking, behind Sentinel-2B, ahead of Seasat.
help CryoSat-2 FAQ
Why was the CryoSat-2 satellite built?
CryoSat-2 was built by the European Space Agency (ESA) specifically to measure the thickness of polar ice sheets and monitor sea ice extent. Its launch in 2010 was intended to fill a critical gap in climate monitoring following the loss of the original CryoSat mission.
What unique radar instrument does CryoSat-2 carry?
CryoSat-2 carries a sophisticated Synthetic Aperture Interferometric Radar Altimeter (SIRAL). Unlike standard altimeters, SIRAL is specifically designed to accurately measure steep, uneven terrain like the edges of ice sheets and rugged coastlines.
Did the original CryoSat satellite fail?
Yes, the original CryoSat satellite was lost in 2005 due to a failure of the Russian Rockot launch vehicle, which crashed into the Arctic Ocean. ESA immediately approved the construction of CryoSat-2 to replace it.
At what orbit does CryoSat-2 fly?
CryoSat-2 operates in a highly specialized, non-sun-synchronous polar orbit. This specific orbit allows the satellite to reach exceptionally high latitudes, flying almost directly over the North and South Poles to capture maximum ice data.
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