CloudSat (ESSP 4, P00-4)
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CloudSat [NASA]
CloudSat is a satellite which uses millimeter-wavelength radar to measure the altitude and properties of clouds. Advanced cloud-profiling radar gathers information on the vertical structure of highly dynamic cloud systems. This new information provides the first global measurements of cloud properties that will help scientists compile a database of cloud measurements to improve how clouds are represented in global climate and numerical weather prediction models.
Ball Aerospace was building the BCP-2000 spacecraft, testing and integrating the payload, and performed launch operation and initial on-orbit commissioning.
CloudSat was launched in April 2006 with CALIPSO on a Delta-7420-10C launch vehicle from Vandenberg AFB.
| Nation: | USA |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Earth Observation |
| Operator: | NASA, USAF STP (Space Test Program) |
| Contractors: | Ball Aerospace |
| Equipment: | Cloud Profiling Radar (CPR) |
| Configuration: | BCP-2000 |
| Propulsion: | ? |
| Power: | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
| Lifetime: | 2 years (planned); 18 years (reached) |
| Mass: | 700 kg |
| Orbit: | 689 km × 689 km, 98.24° |
| Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CloudSat (ESSP 4) | 2006-016A | 28.04.2006 | Va SLC-2W | Delta-7420-10C | with CALIPSO |