A NASA satellite that monitors clouds and their effect on weather and climate. It was launched together with CALIPSO on 28 April 2006 into a Sun-synchronous orbit at approximately 750 km altitude, and flies in formation with four other satellites, known as the A-Train. On 23 February 2018, managers lowered the satellite’s orbit following the loss of one of its reaction wheels, which control its orientation. The mission continues but is no longer part of the A-train.
http://cloudsat.atmos.colostate.edu/home A NASA mission to further knowledge of atmospheric science.