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'''Aquarius''' is a [[NASA]] instrument aboard the [[Argentina|Argentine]] [[SAC-D]] spacecraft.<ref name="instruments">{{cite web|url=http://www.conae.gov.ar/eng/satelites/sac-d_instrum.html|title=Aquarius/SAC-D Instruments|publisher=CONAE|accessdate=January 6, 2010}}</ref> Its mission is to measure global sea surface [[salinity]] to better predict future [[climate]] conditions.<ref name="overview">{{cite web|url=http://aquarius.nasa.gov/overview-mission.html|title=Aquarius Mission Overview|last=NASA [[Goddard Space Flight Center]]|date=June 1, 2009|publisher=NASA|accessdate=June 2, 2009| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20090605055518/http://aquarius.nasa.gov/overview-mission.html| archivedate= 5 June 2009 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> |
'''Aquarius''' is a [[NASA]] instrument aboard the [[Argentina|Argentine]] [[SAC-D]] spacecraft.<ref name="instruments">{{cite web|url=http://www.conae.gov.ar/eng/satelites/sac-d_instrum.html|title=Aquarius/SAC-D Instruments|publisher=CONAE|accessdate=January 6, 2010}}</ref> Its mission is to measure global sea surface [[salinity]] to better predict future [[climate]] conditions.<ref name="overview">{{cite web|url=http://aquarius.nasa.gov/overview-mission.html|title=Aquarius Mission Overview|last=NASA [[Goddard Space Flight Center]]|date=June 1, 2009|publisher=NASA|accessdate=June 2, 2009| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20090605055518/http://aquarius.nasa.gov/overview-mission.html| archivedate= 5 June 2009 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> |
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Aquarius was shipped to Argentina on June 1, 2009 to be mounted in the [[INVAP]] built SAC-D satellite.<ref name="ships">{{cite web|url=http://climate.jpl.nasa.gov/news/index.cfm?FuseAction=ShowNews&NewsID=70|title=Salt-seeking ocean sensor to ship south|last=NASA JPL|date=June 1, 2009|publisher=NASA|accessdate=June 2, 2009| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20090604073257/http://climate.jpl.nasa.gov/news/index.cfm?FuseAction=ShowNews&NewsID=70| archivedate= 4 June 2009 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> It came back to Vandenberg Air Force Base on March 31, 2011.<ref name="return">{{cite web|url=http://aquarius.nasa.gov/news-status.html|title=Aquarius Space Craft Return to US|date=March 31, 2011|publisher=NASA|accessdate=May 11, 2011}}</ref> |
Aquarius was shipped to Argentina on June 1, 2009 to be mounted in the [[INVAP]] built SAC-D satellite.<ref name="ships">{{cite web|url=http://climate.jpl.nasa.gov/news/index.cfm?FuseAction=ShowNews&NewsID=70|title=Salt-seeking ocean sensor to ship south|last=NASA JPL|date=June 1, 2009|publisher=NASA|accessdate=June 2, 2009| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20090604073257/http://climate.jpl.nasa.gov/news/index.cfm?FuseAction=ShowNews&NewsID=70| archivedate= 4 June 2009 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> It came back to [[Vandenberg Air Force Base]] on March 31, 2011.<ref name="return">{{cite web|url=http://aquarius.nasa.gov/news-status.html|title=Aquarius Space Craft Return to US|date=March 31, 2011|publisher=NASA|accessdate=May 11, 2011}}</ref> |
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For the joint mission, Argentina provided the SAC-D spacecraft and additional science instruments, while NASA provided the Aquarius salinity sensor and the rocket launch. NASA's [[Jet Propulsion Laboratory]] in Pasadena, California, managed the Aquarius Mission development for NASA's Earth Science Enterprise based in Washington, D.C., and NASA's Goddard Spaceflight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, is managing the mission after launch.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.esr.org/aquarius_sat/aquarius_main.html |title=Aquarius / SAC-D Satellite Mission |publisher=Earth & Space Research (ESR) |accessdate=October 5, 2011}}</ref> |
For the joint mission, Argentina provided the SAC-D spacecraft and additional science instruments, while NASA provided the Aquarius salinity sensor and the rocket launch. The the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s [[Jet Propulsion Laboratory]] in Pasadena, California, managed the Aquarius Mission development for NASA's Earth Science Enterprise based in Washington, D.C., and NASA's Goddard Spaceflight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, is managing the mission after launch.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.esr.org/aquarius_sat/aquarius_main.html |title=Aquarius / SAC-D Satellite Mission |publisher=Earth & Space Research (ESR) |accessdate=October 5, 2011}}</ref> |
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The observatory was successfully launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base on June 10, 2011. After its launch aboard a [[Delta II]] from |
The observatory was successfully launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base on June 10, 2011. After its launch aboard a [[Delta II]] from Vandenberg Air Force Base in [[California]], SAC-D was carried into a 657 km (408 mi) [[sun-synchronous orbit]] to begin its 3-year mission.<ref name="overview"/> |
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===Background and Instruments=== |
===Background and Instruments=== |
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Aquarius objective is to provide insight into the effect of salt on the Earth’s earth and climate systems by making the first space based observations of variations in salinity and creating global ocean salinity distribution maps. The instrument will be able to show changes in the ocean’s salinity on monthly, yearly and seasonal time scales. |
Aquarius objective is to provide insight into the effect of salt on the Earth’s earth and climate systems by making the first space based observations of variations in salinity and creating global ocean salinity distribution maps. The instrument will be able to show changes in the ocean’s salinity on monthly, yearly and seasonal time scales. |
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Oceanographers use the Practical Salinity Scale (PSS) to measure salinity based on measurements of temperature, pressure and seawater conductivity and create a ratio. The PSS compares the conductivity ratio of a sample of seawater to a standard KCl solution. The oceanic average sea surface salinity is about 35 PSS (or 3.5 % salt) and varies globally from 32 to 37 PSS. The Aquarius mission goal is to measure changes in salinity of 0.2 PSS. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://aquarius.umaine.edu/docs/Aquarius_Mission_Brochure_508_Compliant.pdf |title=Aquarius / SAC-D Sea Surface Salinity from Space |accessdate=November 22, 2013}}</ref> |
Oceanographers use the [[Practical Salinity Scale]] (PSS) to measure salinity based on measurements of temperature, pressure and seawater conductivity and create a ratio. The PSS compares the conductivity ratio of a sample of seawater to a standard KCl solution. The oceanic average sea surface salinity is about 35 PSS (or 3.5 % salt) and varies globally from 32 to 37 PSS. The Aquarius mission goal is to measure changes in salinity of 0.2 PSS. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://aquarius.umaine.edu/docs/Aquarius_Mission_Brochure_508_Compliant.pdf |title=Aquarius / SAC-D Sea Surface Salinity from Space |accessdate=November 22, 2013}}</ref> |
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Aquarius will measure sea surface salinity by using radiometers to detect changes in the oceans microwave thermal emissions frequencies due to salinity. Aquarius’ three radiometers have antenna reflectors 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in diameter that are able to scan a 390 kilometer (242 mile) wide swath of the ocean’s surface collectively. The radiometers on Aquarius are the most accurate ever and are able to sense at a frequency of 1.4 GHz. |
Aquarius will measure sea surface salinity by using radiometers to detect changes in the oceans microwave thermal emissions frequencies due to salinity. Aquarius’ three radiometers have antenna reflectors 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in diameter that are able to scan a 390 kilometer (242 mile) wide swath of the ocean’s surface collectively. The radiometers on Aquarius are the most accurate ever and are able to sense at a frequency of 1.4 GHz.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://aquarius.umaine.edu/docs/Aquarius_Mission_Brochure_508_Compliant.pdf |title=Aquarius / SAC-D Sea Surface Salinity from Space |accessdate=November 22, 2013}}</ref> |
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Raw data records from the Aquarius instrument will be transmitted from CONAE to the ground station at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, MD. The CONAE ground station is located in Córdoba, Argentina, where mission operations are conducted, data is processed and instrument operations are held. The processed data will create salinity related data products that will be archived for use by NASA’s Physical Oceanography Distributed Active Archive Center (PO.DAAC) in Pasadena, CA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). |
Raw data records from the Aquarius instrument will be transmitted from CONAE to the ground station at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, MD. The CONAE ground station is located in Córdoba, Argentina, where mission operations are conducted, data is processed and instrument operations are held. The processed data will create salinity related data products that will be archived for use by NASA’s Physical Oceanography Distributed Active Archive Center (PO.DAAC) in Pasadena, CA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). |
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===Observations and Future Research=== |
===Observations and Future Research=== |
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After less than one month in operation, Aquarius produced the first map showing the varying degrees of salinity across the ocean's surface produced by NASA.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/aquarius/news/aquarius20110922.html |title=Aquarius Yields NASA's First Global Map of Ocean Salinity |date=September 22, 2011 |publisher=NASA |accessdate=October 5, 2011}}</ref> The first salinity maps from space were provided by the European Space Agency satellite [[Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity satellite|SMOS]] (Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity) that was launched in November 2009.<ref>{{cite web|title=ESA - Living Planet Programme - SMOS - ESA's water mission SMOS|url=http://www.esa.int/esaLP/ESAMBA2VMOC_LPsmos_0.html|accessdate=6 December 2011}}</ref> Previous satellites enabled measurement of ocean currents, sea surface temperature and winds, and ocean color. Aquarius adds the ability to measure another ocean variable – the salt content. Measuring sea surface salinity (SSS) will supplement other satellite observations of the global [[water cycle]]: precipitation, evaporation, soil moisture, atmospheric water vapor, and sea ice extent.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://aquarius.nasa.gov/overview-benefits.html |title=Overview: Benefits |work=Aquarius |date=September 23, 2011 |publisher=NASA |accessdate=October 5, 2011}}</ref> |
After less than one month in operation, Aquarius produced the first map showing the varying degrees of salinity across the ocean's surface produced by NASA.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/aquarius/news/aquarius20110922.html |title=Aquarius Yields NASA's First Global Map of Ocean Salinity |date=September 22, 2011 |publisher=NASA |accessdate=October 5, 2011}}</ref> The first salinity maps from space were provided by the European Space Agency satellite [[Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity satellite|SMOS]] (Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity) that was launched in November 2009.<ref>{{cite web|title=ESA - Living Planet Programme - SMOS - ESA's water mission SMOS|url=http://www.esa.int/esaLP/ESAMBA2VMOC_LPsmos_0.html|accessdate=6 December 2011}}</ref> Previous satellites enabled measurement of ocean currents, sea surface temperature and winds, and ocean color. Aquarius adds the ability to measure another ocean variable – the salt content. Measuring sea surface salinity (SSS) will supplement other satellite observations of the global [[water cycle]]: precipitation, evaporation, soil moisture, atmospheric water vapor, and sea ice extent.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://aquarius.nasa.gov/overview-benefits.html |title=Overview: Benefits |work=Aquarius |date=September 23, 2011 |publisher=NASA |accessdate=October 5, 2011}}</ref> |
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In the past, salinity measurements have been taken using instruments in buoys and on ships, however the measurements are inconsistent and don’t provide accurate data over large temporal and spatial regions. Aquaius’ ability to consistently map the oceans enables scientists to create more advanced computer models to study sea surface salinity and potentially forecast future climate conditions. |
In the past, salinity measurements have been taken using instruments in buoys and on ships, however the measurements are inconsistent and don’t provide accurate data over large temporal and spatial regions. Aquaius’ ability to consistently map the oceans enables scientists to create more advanced computer models to study sea surface salinity and potentially forecast future climate conditions. |
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Operator | NASA |
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Instrument type | Radiometer |
Function | Oceanography |
Mission duration | 3 years |
Website | Aquarius Mission |
Host spacecraft | |
Spacecraft | SAC-D |
Operator | CONAE |
Launch date | June 10, 2011 14:20 UTC |
Rocket | Delta II |
Launch site | Vandenberg SLC-2W |
Orbit | LEO |
Aquarius is a NASA instrument aboard the Argentine SAC-D spacecraft.[1] Its mission is to measure global sea surface salinity to better predict future climate conditions.[2]
Aquarius was shipped to Argentina on June 1, 2009 to be mounted in the INVAP built SAC-D satellite.[3] It came back to Vandenberg Air Force Base on March 31, 2011.[4]
For the joint mission, Argentina provided the SAC-D spacecraft and additional science instruments, while NASA provided the Aquarius salinity sensor and the rocket launch. The the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, managed the Aquarius Mission development for NASA's Earth Science Enterprise based in Washington, D.C., and NASA's Goddard Spaceflight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, is managing the mission after launch.[5]
The observatory was successfully launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base on June 10, 2011. After its launch aboard a Delta II from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, SAC-D was carried into a 657 km (408 mi) sun-synchronous orbit to begin its 3-year mission.[2]
The spacecraft’s mission is a joint program between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Argentina’s space agency, Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales (CONAE). The Aquarius sensors are flown on the Satélite de Aplicaciones Científicas (SAC)-D spacecraft 657 kilometers (408 miles) above earth in a sun-synchronous, polar orbit that repeats itself once a week. Its instrument resolution is 150 kilometers (93 miles).
Aquarius objective is to provide insight into the effect of salt on the Earth’s earth and climate systems by making the first space based observations of variations in salinity and creating global ocean salinity distribution maps. The instrument will be able to show changes in the ocean’s salinity on monthly, yearly and seasonal time scales.
Oceanographers use the Practical Salinity Scale (PSS) to measure salinity based on measurements of temperature, pressure and seawater conductivity and create a ratio. The PSS compares the conductivity ratio of a sample of seawater to a standard KCl solution. The oceanic average sea surface salinity is about 35 PSS (or 3.5 % salt) and varies globally from 32 to 37 PSS. The Aquarius mission goal is to measure changes in salinity of 0.2 PSS. [6]
Aquarius will measure sea surface salinity by using radiometers to detect changes in the oceans microwave thermal emissions frequencies due to salinity. Aquarius’ three radiometers have antenna reflectors 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in diameter that are able to scan a 390 kilometer (242 mile) wide swath of the ocean’s surface collectively. The radiometers on Aquarius are the most accurate ever and are able to sense at a frequency of 1.4 GHz.[7]
Raw data records from the Aquarius instrument will be transmitted from CONAE to the ground station at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, MD. The CONAE ground station is located in Córdoba, Argentina, where mission operations are conducted, data is processed and instrument operations are held. The processed data will create salinity related data products that will be archived for use by NASA’s Physical Oceanography Distributed Active Archive Center (PO.DAAC) in Pasadena, CA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
After less than one month in operation, Aquarius produced the first map showing the varying degrees of salinity across the ocean's surface produced by NASA.[8] The first salinity maps from space were provided by the European Space Agency satellite SMOS (Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity) that was launched in November 2009.[9] Previous satellites enabled measurement of ocean currents, sea surface temperature and winds, and ocean color. Aquarius adds the ability to measure another ocean variable – the salt content. Measuring sea surface salinity (SSS) will supplement other satellite observations of the global water cycle: precipitation, evaporation, soil moisture, atmospheric water vapor, and sea ice extent.[10]
In the past, salinity measurements have been taken using instruments in buoys and on ships, however the measurements are inconsistent and don’t provide accurate data over large temporal and spatial regions. Aquaius’ ability to consistently map the oceans enables scientists to create more advanced computer models to study sea surface salinity and potentially forecast future climate conditions.
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.[citation needed]
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