Aqua

EOS PM-1

Mission Profile

Aqua (EOS PM-1) is a NASA Earth observation satellite launched on 4 May 2002 aboard a Delta II as the second major component of the Earth Observing System, designed to study Earth's water cycle in all its forms — precipitation, evaporation, and the cycling of water through the ocean, land, ice, and atmosphere. Carrying six instruments including MODIS, AIRS, AMSU, HSB, AMSR-E, and CERES, Aqua provides global measurements of atmospheric temperature and water vapor, ocean surface temperature, sea ice extent, and precipitation rates. Data from Aqua has been critical for climate research, weather forecasting, and understanding global warming's impact on Earth's hydrological cycle. The satellite continues operating well past its design lifetime, becoming one of NASA's most valuable long-duration Earth science assets.