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SMAP (Soil Moisture Active Passive)

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smap-launch-4The liquid oxygen being pumped into the rocket’s first stage is cryogenic, meaning it’s chilled to extremely cold temperatures. As the propellant warms, small amounts of it boil away and vent from the side of the rocket. This puff of gaseous oxygen is visible in the image above, captured from NASA TV. Valves will periodically replenish the tank until closer to launch time.