Aqua (satellite)

Aqua

Aqua (EOS PM-1)
Operator NASA
Satellite of Earth
Launch date May 4, 2002
Launch vehicle Delta II
Launch site Vandenberg AFB
Mission duration Planned 6 Year Mission
COSPAR ID 2002-022A
Homepage http://aqua.nasa.gov/
Mass 3,117 kg (6,872 lb)
Power 4444 W
Orbital elements
Regime LEO
Semimajor axis 7077.75 km
Eccentricity 0.001203
Inclination 98.14°
Apoapsis 708 km (440 mi)
Periapsis 691 km (429 mi)
Orbital period 98.4 minutes
Longitude N/A
Orbits per day 14.5625

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) preceded by 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 Delta II rocket. Aqua is on a Sun-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 six instruments for studies of water on the Earth's surface and in the atmosphere:

The Aqua spacecraft has a mass of about 2,850 kilograms (6,300 lb), plus propellant of about 230 kilograms (510 lb) (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.

See also

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