NASA | Enhancing Future Planning Through Earth Science Satellite: SWOT Mission | NASA Videos

Embarking on a novel Earth science endeavor, NASA and the French space agency Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES) spearhead a mission poised to revolutionize future community planning. The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission, a collaborative effort, is poised to chart a crucial path by surveilling both saltwater and freshwater bodies across the globe. By meticulously gauging water levels in oceans, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, SWOT stands prepared to address the pressing challenges introduced by a dynamically shifting water cycle due to climate change.
As the ramifications of climate change become increasingly pronounced, a more comprehensive understanding of water dynamics has never been more pertinent. The SWOT mission's meticulous measurements are set to empower communities worldwide to take proactive measures. From augmenting flood forecasts to meticulously monitoring drought conditions, the insights gleaned from SWOT's extensive data will be harnessed by water management agencies, civil engineers, academic institutions, and various governmental bodies. This includes the U.S. Department of Defense, disaster preparedness agencies, and more, all of whom require a granular grasp of local water dynamics.

Anticipated for launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, SWOT is a collaborative feat between NASA, CNES, the Canadian Space Agency, and UK Space Agency. Notably, the U.S. facet of the mission is led by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, managed by Caltech in Pasadena, California. For inquisitive minds seeking deeper insights, a comprehensive overview of the mission can be accessed at: SWOT Mission Website.

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/CNES/Thales Alenia Space