NASA Satellite to Study Heat Emitted from Earth’s Poles
Satellite Uncovers Information We Don’t Have
The satellite features a thermal infrared spectrometer that uses sensors and mirrors to evaluate infrared wavelengths. According to the agency, the data collected by the satellite will help researchers predict changes in Earth’s weather, seas, and ice as the planet warms. The information will be helpful to farmers, fishing fleets, and coastal communities.
NASA explained that the far-infrared radiation escaping from Earth’s poles is affected by the atmosphere’s water vapor content and clouds’ presence, composition, and structure. Antarctica and the Arctic will emit heat as far-infrared radiation, but NASA noted precise measurements do not exist for this form of energy.
PREFIRE Mission Is Closing a Big Gap
Laurie Leshin, the director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, stated that the PREFIRE mission will address a “big gap” in the agency’s knowledge of Earth’s energy balance.
NASA Mission Details
NASA reported successful communication with the first CubeSat after it lifted off on a Rocket Lab Electron rocket. Once the second CubeSat launches, scientists and engineers will conduct a 30-day monitoring period before the expected 10-month mission begins.
The agency did not disclose a date for the second satellite’s launch.
