A British National Space Centre (BNSC) feature on CryoSat-2. CryoSat-2 will determine variations in the thickness of floating sea-ice so that seasonal and inter-annual variations can be detected. The satellite will also survey the surface of continental ice sheets to detect small elevation changes. Information on precise variations in ice thickness will further our understanding of the relationship between ice and climate change. As a cooperating member of ESA, the Canadian Space Agency is contributing to ESA’s Earth Observation Envelope Programme and therefore is participating in the mission.