This video focuses on ESA's Cryosat mission. Although scientists have suspected polar caps melting, they have no real data on ice variations. The radar altimeter on Cryosat and its orbit will allow it to observe and monitor Arctic sea ice and Greenland and Antarctic Ice Sheets, etc. The satellite is shown in the clean room and animations show how it will gather data. ESA Cryosat Mission Manager Pascal Gilles talks about the mission and its data. The role of Cryosat grounds stations (Kiruna and Svalbard) and the control room at ESOC in Darmstadt are highlighted. The satellite is explained as is the launch overview. ESA Cryosat Project Manager Guy Ratier talks about what will happen after liftoff.