BBC News | SCI/TECH | Water satellite ready for work



By Dr David Whitehouse BBC News Online science editor

After last-minute repairs to an electrical problem, the American space agency's (Nasa) Aqua satellite is now ready to launch on Saturday.

Aqua's main task is to monitor the Earth's water systems and to provide data that will improve weather predictions and help global climate studies.

In orbit, the satellite will survey our planet with six sensors. Some will study the infrared and the visible spectrum to determine cloud properties, sea surface temperatures and ocean colour.

"Aqua will provide unprecedented information on the global water cycle," said Ghassem Asrar of Nasa.

Water cycle

Aqua is the latest in Nasa's Earth Observing System series. It will collect measurements of rainfall, snow, sea-ice, temperature, humidity, vegetation, soil moisture and clouds, as part of a co-ordinated study of global changes.

Aqua, Nasa
Aqua has a six-year mission
"The entire Aqua team is very excited as we are approaching our launch date," said Phil Sabelhaus, Aqua Project Manager. "We are excited to see all our efforts come to fruition and look forward to a successful launch."

As well as the water cycle, Aqua will conduct studies of the Earth's radiation balance. It will also look at small particles in the atmosphere, and trace gases, such as ozone, carbon monoxide, and methane.

Aqua will carry a sensor that will measure atmospheric temperatures with an accuracy of one degree Celsius in a one-kilometre-thick (0.6 mile) layer throughout the troposphere - the lowest part of Earth's atmosphere.


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