Aqua (satellite)

Aqua ('''EOS PM-1''') is a multi-national NASA scientific research Satellite in Orbit around the Earth , studying the Precipitation , Evaporation , and Cycling of Water . It is the second major component of the Earth Observing System (EOS) following on Terra (launched 1999 ) and followed by Aura (launched 2004 ).

The name " Aqua " comes from the Latin word for water. The satellite was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base on May 4 , 2002 aboard a Boeing Delta II Rocket . Aqua is on a Sun-synchronous Orbit . It will fly in formation in 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 - Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer-EOS - measures Cloud properties, Sea Surface Temperature , near-surface Wind Speed , Radiative Energy flux, surface water, Ice and Snow . Furnished by the National Space Development Agency of Japan .

MODIS - Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, also measures cloud properties & radiative energy flux, also Aerosol properties; land cover and land use change, fires and Volcano s.

AMSU-A -Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit - measures atmospheric Temperature and Humidity .

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 - measures 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 6.49m. Deployed, Aqua is 4.81 m x 16.70 m x 8.04 m.

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Aqua (satellite)