Launch of our Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) observatory is set for 9:20 a.m. EST today. The SMAP spacecraft on a mission to survey the moisture in soil across the Earth. The benefits of the in-depth study will lie in better forecasting climate conditions and evaluating crop growth. | NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NASA Satellite Set to Get the Dirt on Soil Moisture NASA's next mission to study Earth is a soil moisture mapper know as SMAP (Soil Moisture Active Passive). Data from SMAP will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models including improved flood prediction and drought monitoring capabilities. Learn more: http://1.usa.gov/1DqigI3 | NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Adminis