Empowering Communities with SWOT: Revolutionizing Earth Science Satellite for Future Planning

Journey into the heart of cutting-edge Earth science as NASA partners with the French space agency Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES) to lead a groundbreaking mission that holds the power to shape a better future for communities across the globe. Introducing the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission—a revolutionary endeavor to measure the height of Earth's salt and freshwater bodies, from oceans to lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.

As our planet's water cycle faces the challenges of accelerating climate change, SWOT emerges as a beacon of hope. By meticulously surveying these dynamic water sources, this mission equips us with the knowledge to make informed decisions. With floodwaters rising in some areas and drought gripping others, SWOT data is set to revolutionize flood forecasts and drought monitoring, serving as a vital tool for water management agencies, civil engineers, universities, and even institutions like the U.S. Department of Defense and disaster preparedness agencies.

Through the lenses of this video, discover real-life applications of SWOT data. Journey with a National Weather Service representative in Oregon as they discuss flood watches and warnings. Hear from an Alaska Department of Transportation engineer, exploring the significance of water management in Fern Ridge Lake, Oregon. Traverse to Alaska and witness infrastructure protection firsthand. Peer into the realm of national security and defense, as a NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientist teams up with the Department of Defense. Finally, immerse yourself in coastal protection discussions, delving into the Mississippi River Delta.

Mark your calendars for an exciting launch event! SWOT is poised to take flight from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California come December 2022. This monumental mission, orchestrated jointly by NASA and CNES, boasts contributions from the Canadian Space Agency and UK Space Agency. At the helm of the U.S. component stands JPL, overseen by Caltech in Pasadena, California.

Eager to explore the facets of this groundbreaking mission? Dive into the depths of understanding at https://swot.jpl.nasa.gov.

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/CNES/Thales Alenia Space

Join us on this journey of exploration and transformation as we prepare to shape a future that's better equipped to handle Earth's evolving challenges.