Topics ADEOS-II Science Project EORC JAXA

The U.S.-centered Earth observation satellite "Aqua" (formerly named as EOS-PM), which carried NASDA's microwave radiometer AMSR-E, was successfully launched at 2:54:58 (PDT) on May 4, 2002, from the Vandenberg Launch Site in California. As scheduled, the Aqua spacecraft successfully separated from the Delta II rocket on its first orbit at 3:54 (PDT), and AMSR-E was powered on at 4:50 (PDT) on May 4.

AMSR-E aboard on Aqua spacecraft is developed by NASDA and modified form of AMSR that will fly on ADEOS-II spacecraft. While the launched ADEOS-II is in a near polar orbit around the Earth, with its path over the ground descending across the equator at AM local time, Aqua will ascend across the equator at PM local time. The combination of morning and afternoon observations will enable to measure a point for four times a day at intervals. It will help us understand diurnal variability, and contribute to Earth science studies such as improvement of weather forecast accuracy and clarification of the global climate changes.

AMSR-E is a joint project between NASA and NASDA. The joint AMSR-E science team consists of NASA's AMSR-E science team members and Japanese AMSR sensor team core members (AMSR sensor team stands for AMSR on ADEOS-II and AMSR-E on Aqua.) The joint team will collaborate on information exchange and coordinate the project.

The AMSR-E products will be distributed to general users after performance of product accuracy is evaluated.

»go to AMSR/AMSR-E Home Page

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Aqua was successfully launched