description SMAP Overview
The Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) is an environmental satellite launched by NASA in January 2015 to monitor Earth's soil moisture levels. The mission utilizes a synthetic aperture radar and a radiometer to measure the water content in the top layers of soil, as well as distinguishing between frozen and thawed land conditions. Although the satellite's radar instrument ceased functioning in mid-2015, the radiometer continues to provide valuable data for weather forecasting, drought monitoring, and flood prediction.
help SMAP FAQ
What does SMAP stand for?
SMAP stands for Soil Moisture Active Passive. It is a NASA environmental satellite mission designed to measure moisture in the upper layers of soil.
When was the SMAP satellite launched?
SMAP was launched in January 2015. The mission was created to improve global measurements of soil-water conditions.
How does SMAP measure soil moisture?
The mission uses a radiometer and a synthetic aperture radar to observe soil moisture. These instruments measure water content near the surface of the ground from space.
Why is soil moisture important to measure?
Soil moisture affects agriculture, drought monitoring, floods, and the exchange of water and energy between land and atmosphere. Satellite measurements allow these conditions to be tracked across large regions.
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