Downloads  Size: 420w X 300h Size: 1000w X 714h

NASA’s Earth Observing System-Aqua (EOS Aqua) spacecraft is shown here in assembly at Northrop Grumman Space Technology’s facility. The circular structure on the left-hand side will house the propulsion unit, while the structure extending to the right will host the spacecraft’s six science instruments. EOS Aqua is made of lightweight composites that enable the spacecraft to carry more payload yet lower launch costs. The spacecraft’s modular design permits fabrication and testing to take place at the same time, reducing overall production time.

EOS Aqua is one of a series of space-based platforms that are central to NASA’s Earth Science Enterprise, a long-term study of the scope, dynamics and implications of global change. EOS Aqua will focus on climate-related measurements of the Earth's atmosphere, cloud cover, precipitation, terrestrial snow cover and sea ice.