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SMAP

  • The SMAP satellite has undergone full testing since launching on January 31, 2015
    Space
    NASA's SMAP mission begins science operations
    Testing on NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) observatory is complete, and science operations have begun. The data recorded by the mission, which will give rise to more accurate weather forecasting, will now be subject to a year of validation against existing measurements.
  • The 20-foot-wide reflector antenna is a key component of the system, and is responsible for collecting the satellite’s radar and radiometer instrument measurements (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech)
    Space
    NASA successfully opens 20-foot-wide SMAP antenna
    NASA mission controllers have successfully deployed the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) observatory’s reflector antenna, in what is an important step along the road towards the satellite becoming fully operational.
  • NASA's SMAP satellite blasts off from the Vandenburg Air Force Base, California (Image: NASA, United Launch Alliance)
    Space
    NASA successfully launches SMAP satellite
    On its third attempt, NASA has successfully launched its Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite atop a United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket. The orbiter is designed to take high resolution moisture maps on a global scale, mapping the entire planet in the space of only two to three days.