- Aqua (satellite)
Aqua (EOS PM-1) is a multi-national
NASA scientific researchsatellite inorbit around theEarth , studying the precipitation,evaporation , and cycling ofwater . It is the second major component of theEarth Observing System (EOS) following on Terra (launched1999 ) and followed by Aura (launched2004 ).The name "
Aqua " comes from theLatin word for water. The satellite was launched fromVandenberg Air Force Base onMay 4 ,2002 aboard aBoeing Delta II rocket . Aqua is on aSun-synchronous orbit . It flies leading the satellite formation called the "A Train" with several other satellites (Aura,CALIPSO ,CloudSat and the French PARASOL).Aqua carries 6 instruments for studies of water on the earth's surface and in the atmosphere:
*AMSR-E - AdvancedMicrowave Scanning Radiometer-EOS - measurescloud properties,sea surface temperature , near-surfacewind speed , radiative energy flux, surface water,ice andsnow . Furnished by the National Space Development Agency ofJapan .
*MODIS - Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, also measures cloud properties & radiative energy flux, also aerosol properties; land cover and land use change, fires andvolcano s. This instrument is also aboard Terra.
*AMSU-A -Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit - measures atmospherictemperature andhumidity .
*AIRS -Atmospheric Infrared Sounder - measures atmospheric temperature and humidity, land and sea surface temperatures.
*HSB -Humidity Sounder for Brazil -VHF band equipment measuring atmospheric humidity. Furnished by Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais of Brazil.
*CERES - Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System, Flying Models 3 and 4, measure broadband radiative energy flux.One of the purposes of Aqua is to provide information to prove or disprove the
Iris Hypothesis .The Aqua spacecraft has a mass of about 2,850 kg, plus propellant of about 230 kg(at launch). Stowed, the satellite is 2.68 m x 2.49 m x 6.49 m. Deployed, Aqua is 4.81 m x 16.70 m x 8.04 m.
ee also
*
Terra (satellite)
*Aura (satellite) External links
* [http://aqua.nasa.gov/ NASA Aqua site]
* [http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/missions/profile.cfm?MCode=AQUA-2 Aqua Mission Profile] by [http://solarsystem.nasa.gov NASA's Solar System Exploration]
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