CloudSat achieved the special orbit that follows directly behind the Aqua satellite. The CALIPSO satellite has also joined this special orbit. This constellation of spacecraft will enable the Science Community to obtain coordinated data on weather that was never possible before. The CloudSat radar has been tested successfully. There will be a little more work on this satellite before its instrument is turned on for normal operations, hopefully within the week.

CloudSat is regarded as a relatively small mission by JPL standards, but it is worth noting that it had a life cycle of six and a half years from project start to launch, and will continue in orbit for at least two more years.