Final look at ESA’s SMOS and Proba-2 satellites   The last view of the SMOS satellite as it is encapsulated within the Rockot launcher fairing. Launching on the same rocket, the Proba-2 satellite sits below the SMOS launch adapter.   Proba-2 being covered by the SMOS launch adapter before both satellites were encapsulated within the Rockot fairing.   SMOS will provide global maps of soil moisture and ocean salinity, which are two key variables linked to Earth's water cycle. The maps of ocean salinity will further our knowledge of ocean circulation patterns and their role in the climate system.   The Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission makes global observations of soil moisture over Earth’s landmasses and salinity over the oceans. Variations in soil moisture and ocean salinity are a consequence of the continuous exchange of water between the oceans, the atmosphere and the land – Earth’s water cycle.   At the end of the launch sequence, Proba-2 is ejected from the Breeze upper stage of the Rockot launcher. At this point the SMOS satellite has already been ejected. Proba stands for PRoject for OnBoard Autonomy. The Proba satellites are among the smallest spacecraft ever to be flown by ESA, but they are making a big impact in the field of space technology. Proba-2 is the second of the series, building on nearly eight years of successful Proba-1 experience. Release date: 19 January 2010