A revolutionary satellite is about to map almost every drop of Earth's surface water.

NASA and international partners are preparing to launch the Surface Water and Ocean Topography satellite. This mission aims to provide a comprehensive view of global water movement, helping scientists and local agencies better manage resources and understand the ocean's influence on our changing climate.

The SWOT satellite represents a joint effort involving NASA, the French space agency CNES, and additional support from the Canadian and UK space agencies. Managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, the project is scheduled for a December 2022 launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base.

By tracking the location and flow of water across the planet, the mission provides critical data for civil engineers, disaster preparedness teams, and water management authorities. This unprecedented survey of surface water is designed to assist communities in planning for future environmental challenges.

Source: See the Spacecraft: Earth-Observing Satellite SWOT Nears Launch (Live Q+A)