Earth Explorer 2 – SMOS

The European Space Agency (ESA) launched its second Earth Explorer mission, the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission, on November 2, 2009. The mission was designed to study the water cycle on Earth and the role that soil moisture and ocean salinity play in it. In this article, we will discuss when the SMOS mission was launched, why it was launched, how it was launched, how much it cost, and its achievements.

When was the SMOS Mission Launched?

The SMOS mission was launched on November 2, 2009, by the Russian space agency Roscosmos from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia. The satellite was launched aboard a Rockot launch vehicle, which is a converted SS-19 intercontinental ballistic missile. After launch, the satellite was placed in a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 758 kilometers.

Why was the SMOS Mission Launched?

The SMOS mission was launched to study the water cycle on Earth and the role that soil moisture and ocean salinity play in it. Soil moisture and ocean salinity are two important variables in the water cycle, and their measurement can provide valuable information about the distribution of water on Earth. Soil moisture affects the growth of crops and the availability of freshwater, while ocean salinity affects the circulation of ocean currents and the formation of sea ice.

The SMOS mission was designed to provide accurate measurements of soil moisture and ocean salinity using a radiometer instrument. The radiometer measures the microwave radiation emitted by the Earth's surface, which is related to the amount of moisture in the soil or the salinity of the ocean.

How was the SMOS Mission Launched?

The SMOS satellite was launched aboard a Rockot launch vehicle, which is a converted SS-19 intercontinental ballistic missile. The launch vehicle was equipped with a Breeze-KM upper stage, which is used to place the satellite in its final orbit. After launch, the satellite was placed in a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 758 kilometers.

The SMOS satellite is equipped with a single instrument, the Microwave Imaging Radiometer using Aperture Synthesis (MIRAS). The instrument consists of 69 radiometers arranged in a Y-shaped configuration, which allows it to measure the microwave radiation emitted by the Earth's surface from different angles. The measurements are combined to create a high-resolution image of the soil moisture or ocean salinity.

How Much Did the SMOS Mission Cost?

The cost of the SMOS mission was approximately 285 million euros. This includes the cost of the satellite, the launch vehicle, and the ground segment. The ground segment includes the mission control center, the data processing center, and the network of ground stations used to communicate with the satellite.

The cost of the SMOS mission was shared among the ESA member states, with each member state contributing according to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The largest contributors were France, Germany, and Italy.

What Were the Achievements of the SMOS Mission?

The SMOS mission has been very successful in achieving its scientific objectives. It has provided valuable data on soil moisture and ocean salinity, which has been used to improve our understanding of the water cycle on Earth. Here are some of the main achievements of the SMOS mission:

Improved Understanding of the Water Cycle: The SMOS mission has provided valuable data on the distribution of water on Earth, which has improved our understanding of the water cycle. The data has been used to develop new models of the water cycle, which can be used to predict the availability of freshwater and the growth of crops.

Improved Understanding of Climate Change: The SMOS mission has also provided valuable data on the role of soil moisture and ocean salinity in climate change. The data has been used to develop new models of the Earth's climate system, which can be used to predict future climate change. The SMOS data has also been used to validate existing climate models and improve their accuracy.

Improved Agricultural Management: The SMOS data has been used to improve agricultural management practices. The data has been used to optimize irrigation practices and improve crop yield. The data has also been used to develop new techniques for drought monitoring and early warning systems.

Improved Weather Forecasting: The SMOS data has been used to improve weather forecasting. The data has been used to improve the accuracy of weather models, especially in areas where ground-based observations are scarce. This has led to more accurate and reliable weather forecasts, which can be used to improve disaster response and emergency management.

Improved Understanding of Ocean Circulation: The SMOS data has also been used to improve our understanding of ocean circulation. The data has been used to study the formation of sea ice and the circulation of ocean currents. This has led to a better understanding of the Earth's climate system and its response to climate change.

In conclusion, the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2009 has been a great success in achieving its scientific objectives. The mission has provided valuable data on soil moisture and ocean salinity, which has been used to improve our understanding of the water cycle, climate change, agricultural management, weather forecasting, and ocean circulation. The SMOS mission is a great example of how space technology can be used to address global challenges and improve our lives on Earth.