NASA's Aqua spacecraft successfully lifted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base. California. at 2:55 a.m. Pacific time on May 4. 2002. Launch Commentator: ... one. zero. liftoff ... ( engines roar )
Travelling aboard a Delta II rocket. Aqua became the first member of a group of
six satellites launched as part of the Earth-observing Afternoon Constellation. called the A-Train.
Aqua's goal is to advance our understanding of Earth's water cycle and our environment.
The satellite carries six instruments to observe the Earth's oceans.
atmosphere. land. ice and snow covers. and vegetation.
By making observations of specific features and events simultaneously with different instruments.
experts can tackle scientific questions in terms of "systems" as opposed to independent inquiries.