Watch NASA's SWOT Satellite Unfurl In Earth's Orbit Before Beginning Observations

Have you ever wondered what it's like to watch a spacecraft unfold itself in space? We have you covered! A new video shows a NASA spacecraft spreading its wings while in orbit around Earth.

The SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean Topography) satellite was launched into space on December 16, 2022. Now, it's about to begin its mission of measuring the height of water over 90% of Earth's surface in order to provide the first-ever high-definition survey of Earth's water.

In order to do this, SWOT had to deploy its gigantic mast and antenna panels. This deployment was done over days, ending on December 22 - as dramatic footage captured by SWOT's four commercial cameras showed.

NASA

SWOT in action!

The video shows masts extending from opposite sides of the spacecraft and settling into their intended position. However, the recording stopped before the unfurling of antennas could be completely finished. But SWOT's operators confirmed the same using telemetry data.

SWOT is orbiting Earth at the height of 857 kilometres. It has already unfolded its solar panels to ensure power supply. This was also recorded by the aforementioned cameras.

Also read: NASA's InSight Sends Last Image From Mars Before Nearing Its End: 'Don¡¯t Worry About Me'

The antennas of SWOT are situated 10 metres apart as part of the Ka-band Radar Interferometer (KaRIn) instrument. KaRIn will measure the height of water in Earth's water bodies - freshwater and oceans alike. It will also be able to notice characteristics like eddies, currents, and more, Space.com reported.

The instrument will also be able to record data about water bodies like lakes and rivers wider than 100 metres and reservoirs that are about 62,500 square metres wide.

NASA

This data is collected by bouncing radar pulses off Earth's surface water and then collecting the signals through its antennas. NASA says that once SWOT is fully operational, it will provide improved data about climate changes to scientists and politicians to kick off action.

Also read: Stunning Cosmic Cluster 160,000 Light-Years Away Captured By Hubble Shared By NASA

What do you think about this beautiful clip of NASA's SWOT satellite unfolding in space? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.

References

Lea, R. (2023, January 2). Watch NASA¡¯s SWOT satellite unfold in space to map Earth¡¯s water in stunning video. Space.com. https://www.space.com/nasa-swot-earth-satellite-unfolds-video