AQUA
Aqua is a NASA Earth-observing mission launched in 2002 to study the global water cycle. Its instruments measure atmospheric temperature and humidity, clouds, precipitation-related properties, sea-surface temperature and other variables that connect oceans, atmosphere and land.
Object identity
- NORAD ID
- 27424
- COSPAR ID
- 2002-022A
- Operator
- Not listed
- Country
- Not listed
- Launch date
- Not listed
Immediate discovery
Why this satellite matters
Aqua demonstrates why coordinated orbital phasing matters. It became part of the 'A-Train' constellation, where multiple satellites follow similar orbital paths separated in time so researchers can combine near-simultaneous observations.
Understanding the mission
Science and engineering ideas
Aqua demonstrates why coordinated orbital phasing matters. It became part of the 'A-Train' constellation, where multiple satellites follow similar orbital paths separated in time so researchers can combine near-simultaneous observations.
Mission
Mission and purpose
These spacecraft use cameras, radiometers, radar, spectrometers, or other instruments to measure features of Earth. Repeated observations make comparisons across seasons and years possible.
- Aqua demonstrates why coordinated orbital phasing matters. It became part of the 'A-Train' constellation, where multiple satellites follow similar orbital paths separated in time so researchers can combine near-simultaneous observations.
Design
Engineering
Aqua demonstrates why coordinated orbital phasing matters. It became part of the 'A-Train' constellation, where multiple satellites follow similar orbital paths separated in time so researchers can combine near-simultaneous observations.
Real orbital values
The mathematics
The current two-line element set reports approximately 14.622 revolutions per day. Dividing 1,440 minutes by that value gives an estimated orbital period of 98.5 minutes.
Period
98.5 min
Representative speed
27,042 km/h
Representative altitude
693 km
Inclination
98.44°
Launch record
Launch and deployment
Aqua launched on 4 May 2002 at 2:55 a.m. PDT aboard a Delta II 7920-10L from Space Launch Complex 2 West at Vandenberg Air Force Base.
Orbit
LEO orbit explained
Low Earth orbit is the region closest to Earth used by most crewed spacecraft, many science missions, Earth-observation satellites, and large constellations. Objects move quickly and commonly complete an orbit in roughly 90 to 130 minutes.
LEO can provide detailed Earth views, lower communications delay, and easier access than higher orbits, but it covers less area per spacecraft and is more affected by atmospheric drag.
Live TransitSatellite experience
See AQUA moving now
Open the live tracker to view its current calculated position, trajectory, orbital information, visibility tools, and Save and Share controls.
Learning
Questions to explore
- Why are repeated observations valuable?
- How can satellites observe through clouds or darkness?
Evidence
Sources and data notes
Current identity and orbital elements come from CelesTrak’s public GP data. Calculated orbit values are derived from the current TLE and may change after catalog updates. Mission-history claims are added separately and require authoritative sources.
Catalog updated
Sep 17, 2026, 1:04 AM UTC
Story review
1970-01-01T00:00:00.000Z