NASA: New topography satellite masts unfurl successfully
(Image:NASA) 
NASA's newest topography satellite, called the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission, has successfully unfurled its masts, marking a major milestone in the mission. The SWOT satellite will be used to measure the height of Earth's oceans and rivers, as well as the amount of water stored in wetlands and soil.

The satellite was launched into space in April 2021 and has been undergoing a series of tests and checks since then. The masts, which are crucial for the mission's success, were successfully deployed on December 15, 2021. The masts, which are nearly 50 feet long, will be used to measure the height of Earth's oceans and rivers with an accuracy of just a few centimeters.

The SWOT mission will provide scientists with important data on Earth's water cycle, which plays a vital role in our planet's climate and weather. It will also help researchers understand how water moves across the surface of the Earth and how it is affected by changes in the environment.

The SWOT mission is a collaboration between NASA and the French space agency, CNES, and is expected to operate for at least three years. The satellite will make at least two passes over every point on Earth's surface, providing a wealth of data for scientists to study.

Overall, the successful deployment of the masts on the SWOT satellite is a major achievement for NASA and a promising start to the mission. The data collected by the satellite will be valuable for understanding the Earth's water cycle and the impacts of climate change on our planet.