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

Our next satellite will dish the dirt in order to monitor soil moisture globally. Launching next Thursday, Jan 29, SMAP (Soil Moisture Active Passive) will use its large golden spinning antenna to peer into the top two inches of the soil in search of the water lodged within. Here are five quick facts about the spacecraft and what it studies: http://go.nasa.gov/1yK3NE9 #EarthRightNow | NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration