Disclaimer: This material is being kept online for historical purposes. Though accurate at the time of publication, it is no longer being updated. The page may contain broken links or outdated information, and parts may not function in current web browsers. Visit the NASA Salinity website for more information.

Mission Status & Events

Preparing for Launch
[30-May-11] This week, a number of significant milestones were achieved at Vandenberg Air Force Base in preparation for launch.

The final pre-launch electrical test of the Aquarius instrument was performed on 24-May. The test was successfully completed and all telemetry was nominal.

On 27-May, the feed covers were removed from the instrument and a final contamination-control inspection was performed to confirm that the Aquarius instrument meets all of its cleanliness requirements; with these feed covers removed, Aquarius is configured for launch.

On 28-May, the fairing was installed around the Aquarius/SAC-D observatory.