On 2^nd November 2009 a rocket carrying the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity Satellite (SMOS) for the European Space Agency (ESA) was successfully launched into space. This satellite contains fibre optic modules and components manufactured by Gooch & Housego’s facility in Torquay, formerly known as SIFAM Fibre Optics. The satellite contains a radio telescope for monitoring the earth. The vast amounts of data generated are carried through the satellite using optical fibre. Gooch and Housego manufactured fused fibre optical branching components and fibre sub-assemblies for the satellite’s optical harness. Two types of optical module were included; a 1x8 and a 2x12 fibre splitter network comprising of concatenated 1x2 High Reliability fused fibre components. The High Reliability couplers are similar to those used in undersea telecommunication cables, another extreme environment in which Gooch and Housego fused fibre couplers are used.  G&H (Torquay) have been working on the programme since 2002 and much of that time has been taken up qualifying the components and modules for use in space. As well as the capability of increasing data carrying capacity compared to electrical cables, fibre optics have the further advantages of reduced weight as well as low electromagnetic emissions (particularly important for a sensitive radio telescope instrument). “Our components are regularly used in extreme conditions such as avionic environments and deep under the sea, but this is the first use of our components in a commercial satellite and we are all excited about our components being in space, we wish the mission every success.” commented Gooch & Housego’s Vice President of Engineering, Dr Andrew Robertson. SMOS is the second Earth Explorer Opportunity mission to be developed as part of ESA's Living Planet Programme. As well as demonstrating the use of the new radiometer, the data acquired from this mission will contribute to furthering knowledge of the Earth's water cycle. The data acquired from the SMOS mission will lead to better weather and extreme-event forecasting, and contribute to seasonal-climate forecasting. As a secondary objective, SMOS will also provide observations over regions of snow and ice, contributing to studies of the cryosphere.