Question: Which of the following satellite by NASA, is scheduled for launch in November 2022 for the first global survey of the Earth’s surface water and study fine-scale ocean currents?
a) SWOT
b) OSIRIS-Rex
c) Parker
d) None of these
Answer: (a)
Related Facts:-
- In November 2022; US space agency NASA will launch the mission for the first global survey of the Earth’s surface water and study fine-scale ocean currents.
- The mission will be known by the name SWOT or the Surface Water and Ocean Topography.
- The final set of tests on the spacecraft has started, according to a statement by NASA.
- SWOT is collaboration between NASA and the French space agency Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES).
- The Canadian Space Agency and the UK Space Agency have also given their contribution for this specific mission
- SWOT satellite is of a size SUV that will collect data on the height of the Earth’s salt and fresh water—including oceans, lakes and rivers.
- It will then enable researchers to track the volume and location of water around the world.
- SWOT will help to measure the effects of climate change on the planet’s water.
- It will help in understanding the processes by which small, swirling ocean currents absorb excess heat, moisture and greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- The mission’s measurements will also aid in following how much water flows into and out of the planet’s lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, as well as regional shifts in sea level.
- Programme scientist at NASA said that SWOT will provide first global snapshot of all surface water that at present the Earth have now.
- It will give the idea about, how the water moves around the planet, and what happens to it in a new climate.