AQUA's New Launch Date

The EOS-Aqua mission is presently scheduled for launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) on May 4, 2002 with a launch window 5:54 - 6:03a.m. (EDT). Aqua, as the name implies, will study the water in the Earth's system. It will provide scientists valuable information about global precipitation, evaporation and the cycling of water. This information has the potential to improve weather forecasting and to help scientists determine whether the water cycle is accelerating, e.g., due to climate change.