Aqua: Tracking Earth's Water Cycle from Orbit

Saturday, 22 August 2026 · 2 min read · By Orbital Radar Newsroom

NASA's Aqua Satellite in orbit, celebrating its 10th anniversary with a decade of Earth observations.

Image: NASA/GSFC

Quick answer · as of 22 Aug 2026

Introduction to Aqua

Launched on 4 May 2002, Aqua is a NASA Earth Science satellite dedicated to the study of Earth's water cycle. It forms part of the Earth Observing System (EOS) and is specifically designed to collect information about precipitation, evaporation, and the cycling of water. Aqua's name, derived from the Latin word for water, reflects its primary mission focus. This satellite provides crucial data that help scientists understand the dynamics of the Earth's climate and weather patterns.

Mission and Purpose

Artist's concept of NASA's Aqua satellite, equipped with six instruments, orbiting Earth in a near-polar path. — NASA Aqua satellite carries six state-of-the-art instruments in a near-polar low-Earth orbit. Aqua is seen in this artist concept orbiting Earth. · Image: NASA/JPL

Aqua's mission is to monitor and analyse the Earth's water cycle by measuring various parameters such as sea surface temperature, atmospheric water vapour, and ice cover. It carries six instruments, including the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for EOS (AMSR-E). These instruments collect data that are essential for climate research, weather forecasting, and environmental monitoring. Aqua's data supports a wide range of applications, from tracking droughts and floods to studying ocean currents and sea ice dynamics.

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Orbital Characteristics

Graph showing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels from 2002 to 2013, measured by NASA's Aqua satellite. — This graph made with data from the AIRS instrument on NASA Aqua satellite shows the concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth mid-troposphere, located roughly between 3 to 6 miles 5 to 9 kilometers in · Image: NASA/JPL

Aqua operates in a sun-synchronous orbit, which allows it to pass over the same part of the Earth at roughly the same local solar time each day. This orbit is particularly useful for climate monitoring, as it provides consistent lighting conditions for the satellite's sensors. Aqua orbits at an altitude of approximately 705 kilometres with an inclination of 98.2 degrees. Its orbital period is about 99 minutes, enabling it to complete over 14 orbits per day. The satellite is catalogued with the NORAD ID 27424.

Significance and Legacy

Since its launch, Aqua has made significant contributions to our understanding of the Earth's climate system. Its data have been instrumental in improving climate models and enhancing our ability to predict weather events. Aqua's observations have also contributed to the study of phenomena such as El Niño and La Niña, which have global impacts on weather patterns. The satellite's long-term data record is invaluable for detecting trends in climate change and assessing the health of the planet's ecosystems.

Current Status and Future Prospects

Aqua remains operational, continuing to provide valuable data for scientists and researchers around the world. Despite being in orbit for over two decades, the satellite's instruments are still functioning effectively, although some have experienced degradation over time. As part of NASA's Earth Science Division, Aqua's data is freely available to the public and researchers, ensuring its legacy will continue to influence climate science for years to come. For more detailed information about Aqua's current status and data, visit the Orbital Radar Satellite Library.

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