Orbiting Earth 180 degrees apart, the two-satellite HydroGNSS Scout mission uses a technique called Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) reflectometry to measure important climate variables such as soil moisture, freeze–thaw state over permafrost, inundation and biomass – all of which are linked to Earth’s water cycle. 

Embracing the New Space concept, HydroGNSS is one of ESA’s new Scout missions being developed within the Earth Observation FutureEO programme.

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