On December 16, the American and French space agencies launched a new
For a successful start, the probe had todeploy solar arrays, a large mast and antenna panels that were packed when launching from Earth. The satellite is controlled by telemetry, but four video cameras are also installed on board, which filmed the preparation process.
SWOT reveals solar panels. Video: JPL, NASA
The first video shows how SWOT revealssolar panels. This happened on the first day of the mission almost immediately after entering the intended orbit, and the whole process took about 10 minutes. The second recording shows how the mast with antennas, on which instruments for studying the Earth are installed, is slowly raised and unfolded over four days.
At both ends of the mast at a distance of about 10 mKa-band radar interferometer devices are installed from each other. It is this device that will measure with high accuracy the height of the water in the freshwater reservoirs of the Earth and the ocean. The device will be able to consider whirlpools and currents in the oceans, as well as lakes and reservoirs, the area of \u200b\u200bwhich exceeds 62 thousand m² and rivers more than 100 m wide.
Preparing SWOT antennas for operation. Video: JPL, NASA
For analysis, the device uses radar.The waves emitted by the antennas will be directed to the Earth, reflected from the surface of the water and recorded by the satellite's sensors. The field of view is constantly about 50 km on either side of the satellite. Scientists believe that it will help to understand how much water flows into and out of freshwater bodies of the Earth and what is the role of the ocean in climate change.
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Cover: Artistic illustration of a SWOT satellite in Earth orbit. Image: JPL, NASA