Aqua (EOS PM-1) is a NASA scientific research satellite in orbit around the Earth, studying the precipitation, evaporation, and cycling of water. It is the second major component of the Earth Observing System (EOS) preceded by Terra (launched 1999) and followed by Aura (launched 2004). Intro
The name "Aqua" comes from the Latin word for water. The satellite was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base on May 4, 2002, aboard a Delta II rocket. Aqua is on a Sun-synchronous orbit. It flies as the third in the satellite formation called the "A Train" with several other satellites (OCO-2, the Japanese GCOM W1, CALIPSO, CloudSat, and Aura. Launch
The current end of mission plan has Aqua leaving the "A-Train" constellation in March 2022, with the mission continuing at a lower orbit until 2025. Aqua's life could be extended with a possible re-fueling mission. Worst-case scenario would result in a re-entry by 2046. conclusion
