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SWOT

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description SWOT Overview

SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean Topography) is a satellite jointly developed by NASA and CNES, the French space agency, with contributions from the Canadian Space Agency and UK Space Agency. Launched on December 15, 2022, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, SWOT is designed to conduct the first global survey of Earth's surface water. The satellite uses interferometric radar altimetry to measure ocean surface topography and monitors water levels in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs worldwide.

help SWOT FAQ

What does the SWOT satellite measure?

SWOT measures the height and surface features of water in oceans, lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and other inland waters. Its goal is to provide broad, repeated measurements of nearly all water on Earth's surface.

Who built the SWOT mission?

SWOT was jointly developed by NASA and CNES, France's space agency, with contributions from the Canadian Space Agency and the UK Space Agency. The mission uses the Ka-band Radar Interferometer, known as KaRIn, to make wide-swath water measurements.

When and how was SWOT launched?

SWOT launched on December 16, 2022, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The launch began the mission's global survey of Earth's surface water.

Why is SWOT important for studying rivers and oceans?

Earlier satellite altimetry often measured along narrow tracks, while SWOT maps broad two-dimensional areas of water surface height. That helps researchers study sea-level change, ocean circulation, river flow, reservoirs, and the effects of drought or flooding.

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