Author(s): Tasuku Tanaka

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Abstract: The first Remote Sensing Satellite-Television and Infrared Observation Satellite-1(TIROS-1)was launched in1960,only three years after the launch of the SPUTNIK.The global cloud images from TIROS-1 astonished the peoplewith the visualization of the global meteorological system.Since then,Earth environments have been measured fromspace in various means. Since the industrialization in the 18th century,the social and economic evolution has so advanced that thenatural environments have been deteriorated seriously.This global environment problem is a major challenge of themankind toward the 21st century.Space agencies in the world,responding to this challenge,have accelerated theEarth observing programs,under the title of "Mission to Planet Earth"."Water"is the most essential substance to affectthe environment -globally and locally alike:Water vapor is the most forceful Greenhouse Effect Gas:Clouds controlthe thermal input to the Earth in both directions,cooling and warming;waterin the atmosphere and energy from thesun is the "engine"of the climate;polar ice extent regulates the energy from the sun. In this paper,I review the status of measuring water from space,discuss the potentiality and limit of thesatelite remote sensing,and identify the future subject.

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Year: 1993