\tApplications<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t06\/11\/2025
\n\t\t\t\t448 views
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t16 likes<\/p>\n
After arriving at the California launch site at the end of September, the two HydroGNSS satellites have been carefully prepared for liftoff, scheduled this month.<\/p>\n
HydroGNSS \u2013 a twin-satellite mission \u2013 marks the European Space Agency\u2019s first \u2018Scout\u2019 venture. By harnessing signals from navigation satellites, HydroGNSS will help scientists gain new insights into key climate variables linked to water.<\/p>\n
The identical microsatellites will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, sharing their Transporter-15 ride into orbit with several other small satellites.<\/p>\n
Since their arrival, the HydroGNSS satellites have undergone a series of final checks \u2013 including testing, propellant loading, battery charging and integration with their launch adapter.<\/p>\n
Both satellites are now ready for the next milestone: closing of the rocket fairing.<\/p>\n
ESA\u2019s HydroGNSS Project Manager, Jean-Pascal Lejault, said, \u201cReaching this milestone is a tremendous achievement, and I am incredibly proud of the entire team behind HydroGNSS. Developing ESA\u2019s first Scout mission within such a tight timeframe and budget has required exceptional dedication and ingenuity. My special thanks go to our prime contractor Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd in the UK and the ESA project team \u2013 their commitment and creativity have made HydroGNSS possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMembers of ESA\u2019s HydroGNSS team<\/a><\/p>\n Once in orbit, the two satellites will travel 180 degrees apart around Earth to maximise coverage. They will use an innovative technique called Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) reflectometry to quite literally \u2018scout for water\u2019.<\/p>\n Navigation satellites such as GPS and Galileo transmit L-band microwave signals that change when reflected off Earth\u2019s surface. HydroGNSS will compare these reflected signals with the direct GNSS signals to extract valuable information about geophysical parameters related to the water cycle.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\tHydroGNSS reflectometry<\/a><\/p>\n The mission focuses on four crucial variables, all recognised as Essential Climate Variables or closely related to them: soil moisture, freeze\u2013thaw state over permafrost, inundation, and above-ground biomass.<\/p>\n These data are vital for improving our understanding of Earth\u2019s water cycle, agricultural planning, flood prediction, and our understanding of wetlands, permafrost dynamics and forest carbon storage.<\/p>\n As ESA\u2019s first Scout mission, HydroGNSS is part of the agency\u2019s Earth Observation FutureEO programme. Scout missions are designed to deliver cutting-edge science quickly and affordably, complementing ESA\u2019s larger Earth Explorer missions.<\/p>\n