Utilizing an Earth Science Satellite to Foster Future-Ready Communities

Collaboration between NASA and the French space agency Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES) has birthed a novel Earth science mission, set to empower communities in shaping a brighter future through the comprehensive examination of the Earth's salt and freshwater resources. The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission, designed to gauge water levels in lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and oceans, will play a pivotal role. As the global impact of climate change accelerates the water cycle, some regions will grapple with excessive water inundation, while others will face water scarcity. SWOT's invaluable data will not only enhance flood forecasts and drought monitoring but also provide indispensable insights to water management bodies, civil engineers, universities, the U.S. Department of Defense, disaster preparedness agencies, and other stakeholders invested in local water dynamics