Vandenberg, CA.—The European Space Agency (ESA) has launched HydroGNSS, the first mission of the Scout program, designed to gather essential data on the water cycle and the effects of climate change.
The two satellites, developed by SSTL, were placed into orbit on 28 November at 19:44 CET aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg (California). Minutes later, the signal from both spacecraft was confirmed, ensuring their correct operation in orbit.
HydroGNSS uses GNSS reflectometry, a technique that analyzes GPS and Galileo signals reflected off Earth’s surface to measure key variables such as:
- Soil moisture
- Freeze–thaw cycles
- Flooding
- Biomass
- Permafrost and surface carbon
The data collected will help improve prediction models, water management, and climate impact monitoring. The mission was completed in just three years with a budget of €35 million, demonstrating the capability of small satellites to deliver critical global-scale information.