Mission Background

Originally foreseen as one satellite, the HydroGNSS mission expanded to a constellation of two satellites which are under parallel development, and will be launched together to offer a faster revisit rate. HydroGNSS is a Scout mission in ESA’s FutureEO programme. The goal of the Scouts is to create missions consisting of one or several small satellites that test and demonstrate novel methods for spaceborne remote sensing and add scientific value to data from currently flying satellites such as the Earth Explorers. HydroGNSS will complement the SMOS and Biomass missions in obtaining data regarding Earth’s water cycle. The mission will also complement Copernicus Sentinel-1 and NASA’s SMAP mission.
 

Satellite Design

The two HydroGNSS satellites will be identical, and each measure 50x50x70 cm with a weight of approximately 65 kg.