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WHAT IS AQUARIUS ?

Aquarius is a focused satellite mission to measure global Sea Surface Salinity (SSS). Scientific progress is limited because conventional in situ SSS sampling is too sparse to give the global view of salinity variability that only a satellite can provide. Aquarius is planning to launch in 2010. Aquarius is part of the Aquarius / SAC-D science mission, now being developed by NASA and the Space Agency of Argentina (Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales, CONAE).

Understanding the interaction between ocean circulation, the water cycle, and climate by measuring ocean salinity.

MISSION STATUS & EVENTS

Aquarius/SAC-D Observatory passed its Mission Critical Design Review, held 21–24 July 2008 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
First Announcement: 4th Aquarius/SAC-D Science Workshop to be held in Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina (3-5 Dec, 2008). Sessions will address calibration and validation, and explore a range of scientific studies and practical applications, such as the global hydrological cycle, ocean circulation, climate variability, oceanic CO2 flux, land processes, land use, soil moisture, natural hazards, cryosphere, operational forecasting, among many others. This conference will be held in honor of the late Dr. F. Raul Colomb, Principal Investigator for the CONAE SAC-C and SAC-D Missions. (Click here to learn more)
Dr. Sandra Torrusio named new SAC-D Principal Investigator in June 2008. Dr. Torrusio has specialized in remote sensing applications to natural resources and disaster management since 1989. She is author of over 40 publications and presentations in national and international meetings, and participant in international courses. Dr. Torrusio received her Ph.D. in Natural Sciences at the National University of La Plata in 2003.
NASA Research Announcement for the Ocean Salinity Science Team released on 15-Feb-08. The objective of this program element is to select a new U.S. Ocean Salinity Science Team to support and participate in the U.S./CONAE Aquarius/SAC-D mission and joint Aquarius/SAC-D Science Team. Solicitation closes on 30-Oct-08. (Click here to learn more)
After a four-year development effort, the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) delivered the Aquarius Radiometer to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California in January 2008. The Radiometer, built by an in-house team of scientists, engineers, and technicians at GSFC is part of the international Aquarius/SAC-D mission. The Radiometer will be integrated with the Aquarius instrument at JPL. (Click here to learn more)