SAC-D/Aquarius arrived in USA

The SAC-D/Aquarius payload arrived safely from Brazil at Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) tonight. Following final tests, the spacecraft will be integrated to a NASA Launch Delta II rocket in preparation for the targeted June 9th launch to low Earth orbit.

The SAC-D/Aquarius is a satellite designed and constructed by INVAP for the National Commission of Space Activities (CONAE), in a joint mission with the NASA which carries as payload an instrument able to measure the global ocean surface salinity.  The instrument’s monthly reports will provide fundamental measurements to give a better understanding of the global climate change.