Space company SpaceX launched a large research satellite into orbit on Friday. Scientists will use the artificial satellite to conduct research on, among other things, droughts, floods and coastal erosion due to climate change.
The satellite is called SWOT (Topography of surface waters and oceans) and was developed by the American and French space agencies NASA and CNES. Canada and the United Kingdom financially support the project.
The artificial moon, the size of a large car, will measure the water level on more than 90% of the earth’s surface. This allows scientists to follow the currents of the water. This knowledge can, for example, be used to designate risk areas sensitive to flooding or extreme drought.
Scientists also expect the satellite to reveal how fast sea level is rising. Sea level rise is causing coastline shifts and creating flood risks in more and more areas.
The SWOT satellite orbits the earth at an altitude of 890 kilometers. Due to this great height, the device has a good view of the earth. SWOT takes three weeks to map nearly all water on earth.
By repeating this process regularly, for example, currents in the water become visible. The fact-finding mission should last three years.
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