Notes from the Field

The Reveal

January 29th, 2015 by Kathryn Hansen

smap_rollback_before_01282015

smap_rollback_01282015

The Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission is one step closer to launch. On January 28, the mobile service tower (top) rolled back to reveal the Delta II rocket (second image). Liftoff of the Delta II rocket and its satellite cargo is targeted for launch from Vandenberg’s Space Launch Complex 2 at 6:20 a.m. PST on Thursday, January 29.

smap_bolden2_rollout_01282015

NASA administrator Charles Bolden attended the rollback event, where he spoke to a group gathered to watch the reveal. “What will SMAP measure?” asked a second-grade student (above).

SMAP_social_012815

Bolden was not the only one answering that question on the day before launch. SMAP scientists Dara Entekhabi, Randy Koster, Wade Crow, and Susan Moran (above, from left to right) started the day explaining the mission’s science to a gathering of social media mavens. So, what will SMAP measure? Visit the mission page to find out.

One Response to “The Reveal”

  1. paul skillman says:

    The truth of the matter is I think the Earth is losing moisture. I think the Earth is drying out. Maybe not, but when I look at all the dried out lake beds throughout the world I just wonder where all that water went to.
    You look at Mars, dry, maybe because all the water is ice undernieth the soil. You look at Venus, total inferno.
    we are so blessed to be the water planet.