NASA Satellite to Track Surface Water and Ocean

A new Earth science mission, led by NASA and the French space agency Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES), will help communities plan for a better future by surveying the planet’s salt and freshwater bodies. The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission will measure the height of water in lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and the oceans.

As climate change accelerates the water cycle, more communities around the world will be inundated with water while others won’t have enough. SWOT data will be used to improve flood forecasts and monitor drought conditions, providing essential information to water management agencies, civil engineers, universities, the U.S. Department of Defense, disaster preparedness agencies, and others who need to track water in their local areas. In this video, examples of how SWOT data will be used in these communities are shared by a National Weather Service representative in Oregon, an Alaska Department of Transportation engineer, researchers from the University of Oregon and University of North Carolina, a NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientist working with the Department of Defense, and a JPL scientist working with the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Agency.

:30 - Flood Watches & Warnings - Portland, Oregon
1:08 - Water Management - Fern Ridge Lake, Oregon
2:05 - Protecting Infrastructure - Alaska
2:54 - National Security - Department of Defense
3:24 - Coastal Protection - Mississippi River Delta

SWOT is expected to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California in December 2022.

The mission is a collaboration between NASA and CNES, with contributions from the Canadian Space Agency and UK Space Agency. JPL, which is managed for NASA by Caltech in Pasadena, California, leads the U.S. component of the project.

To learn more about the mission, visit: https://swot.jpl.nasa.gov/

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/CNES/Thales Alenia Space
The NASA is a captivating and educational online platform that offers a window into the incredible world of space exploration, scientific discovery, and technological innovation. Through a mix of visually stunning videos, live broadcasts, and informative content, the channel provides a front-row seat to the remarkable endeavors of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Explore the cosmos with awe-inspiring footage of rocket launches, showcasing the power and precision of cutting-edge spacecraft as they journey into the unknown. Join astronauts on their thrilling expeditions to the International Space Station (ISS), witnessing spacewalks, experiments, and the challenges of living and working in microgravity.

Delve into the mysteries of our solar system and beyond through captivating documentaries and animations that highlight NASA's missions to Mars, the Moon, and other celestial bodies. Stay updated on groundbreaking discoveries about distant exoplanets, black holes, galaxies, and other cosmic phenomena, all presented in a way that engages and educates viewers of all ages.

The NASA YouTube channel isn't just about space exploration; it's also a hub for technological innovation. Discover the latest advancements in space technology, from cutting-edge spacecraft designs to revolutionary propulsion systems. Gain insights into how NASA's innovations on Earth have practical applications in various fields, from medicine to transportation.

Whether you're a space enthusiast, a science lover, or simply curious about the wonders of the universe, the NASA YouTube channel offers a rich and diverse array of content that will both inspire and inform. Join a global community of learners, explorers, and dreamers as they follow the agency's journey to uncover the secrets of the cosmos and push the boundaries of human knowledge and achievement. Subscribe to the NASA YouTube channel and embark on an exhilarating voyage through space and science.