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ESA's water mission on track for launch

12 February 2009

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The Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) satellite has been in storage at Thales Alenia Space's facilities in Cannes, France since May 2008. Preparations are now being made for the Flight Acceptance Review in May with a view to launch during summer 2009.

Credits: Thales Alenia Space

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The SMOS mission is a direct response to the current lack of frequent global observations of soil moisture and ocean salinity. These data are needed to further our knowledge of the water cycle, and to contribute to better weather and extreme-event forecasting and seasonal-climate forecasting.

Credits: ESA - AOES Medialab

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The total amount of water present on the Earth is fixed and does not change. Powered by the Sun, water is continually being circulated between the oceans, the atmosphere and the land. This circulation and conservation of the Earth's water, known as the water cycle, is a crucial component of our weather and climate.

Credits: ESA - AOES Medialab

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From an altitude of 758 km, the SMOS antenna will view an area almost 3000 km in diameter. Because of the Y-shaped antenna and the interferometry measurement principle, the field of view is limited to a hexagon-like shape about 1000 km across.

Credits: ESA - AOES Medialab