
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Preparations are underway at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California for the arrival of the rocket components slated to launch NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission, or SMAP, in November 2014. A United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket will be used to deliver SMAP into orbit. SMAP will provide global measurements of soil moisture and its freeze/thaw state. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. SMAP data also will be used to quantify net carbon flux in boreal landscapes and to develop improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. To learn more about SMAP, visit http://smap.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin
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NASA ID
KSC-2014-3167
Date Created
July 17, 2014
Center
KSC
Media Type
image
Location
Vandenberg AFB, CA
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