NASA has successfully positioned the initial satellite of its new project designed for observing thermal emissions at the poles into orbit. This development occurred subsequent to the Electron rocket, operated by Rocket Lab, launching the satellite from Māhia, New Zealand’s Launch Complex 1 at 7:41 p.m. NZST (3:41 a.m. EDT) on a recent Saturday.
Called the PREFIRE (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment) mission, this initiative comprises two CubeSats, compact satellites comparable in size to a shoebox, which are tasked with monitoring the Earth’s heat output from its polar areas. Information derived from PREFIRE will support scientists in their prognosis of alterations to the Earth’s ice sheets, oceans, and climate as a result of the warming scenario of our planet.
“NASA’s cutting-edge PREFIRE mission is poised to enhance our grasp of the Earth system – bestowing scientists with a comprehensive viewpoint on the influence of Earth’s polar regions in modulating the amount of energy our planet both captures and emits,” stated Karen St. Germain, who heads NASA’s Earth Science Division in Washington. “This venture will facilitate improved forecasts of diminishing sea ice, melting of ice sheets, and oceanic expansion, thereby advancing our comprehension of the shifts our planetary system will confront in ensuing years — vital information for agronomists monitoring climate shifts, marine fisheries adapting to evolving oceanic conditions, and coastal settlements fortifying their infrastructure.”
Following its ascent, ground control established contact with the primary CubeSat at 8:48 a.m. EDT. The launch of the secondary PREFIRE CubeSat on its own Electron rocket is anticipated shortly from the same Launch Complex. Both satellites will undergo a 30-day diagnostic period when engineers and scientists will confirm their operational status, with the mission slated for a 10-month operational lifespan.
The focus of PREFIRE is the energy budget of Earth, which indicates the balance between the solar heat absorbed and the planet’s heat emissions. The variance between these two phenomena governs the globe’s temperature and its climatic conditions. As of now, there is a paucity in detailed data concerning the far-infrared radiation the Arctic and Antarctica emit, which contribute significantly to this balance.
The transparency of the atmosphere concerning water vapor along with cloud characteristics significantly affects the volume of far-infrared radiation escaping from the poles into space. PREFIRE’s collected data will offer insights regarding the spatial and temporal distribution of this infrared energy emission from the polar habitats.
“The PREFIRE CubeSats might be diminutive, but their role in filling a significant void in our understanding of Earth’s greenhouse effect is colossal,” mentioned Laurie Leshin, director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory located in Southern California. “Their work will propel our knowledge of the solar heat dynamics, enabling more accurate future projections of ice loss, ocean changes, and meteorological evolution due to global warming.”
Each CubeSat in the mission is equipped with a cutting-edge thermal infrared spectrometer, which measures infrared wavelengths using intricately designed mirrors and detectors. Adjusting these instruments to fit the CubeSats entailed refinement of several components while upscaling others.
“Our world is rapidly transforming, and in regions such as the Arctic, the experiences are unprecedented,” expressed Tristan L’Ecuyer, the lead investigator of PREFIRE at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. “PREFIRE’s brand-new measurements of the far-infrared emitted from the poles of Earth will empower enhancements in climate and weather predictive models, assisting global communities as they navigate the impacts of climate flux.”
The launch assistance for this mission is a joint venture between NASA’s Launch Services Program, based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and NASA’s Earth System Science Pathfinder Program as part of the agency’s VADR (Venture-class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare) launch contract.
NASA and the University of Wisconsin-Madison collaboratively developed the PREFIRE mission. Management of the mission is under NASA JPL for the agency’s Science Mission Directorate, and the spectrometers were provided by them. Blue Canyon Technologies is credited for constructing the CubeSats, and data management will be the responsibility of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Responsible for the launch services is Rocket Lab USA Inc., based in Long Graves, California.
To acquire further insights into PREFIRE, visit:
https://science.nasa.gov/mission/prefire/
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Karen Fox / Elizabeth Vlock
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600 / 202-358-1600
karen.c.fox@nasa.gov / elizabeth.a.vlock@nasa.gov
Jane J. Lee / Andrew Wang
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.
818-354-0307 / 626-379-6874
jane.j.lee@jpl.nasa.gov / andrew.wang@jpl.nasa.gov
FAQs about NASA’s PREFIRE Mission
What is the main aim of the PREFIRE mission?
The PREFIRE mission aims to measure far-infrared radiation emitted from the Earth’s polar regions to better predict changes in the ice sheets, oceans, and climate due to global warming.
How long is the PREFire mission expected to last?
After a 30-day diagnostic period, the PREFIRE mission is expected to have an operational lifespan of 10 months.
What are CubeSats?
CubeSats are small, cube-shaped satellites that serve various scientific and educational purposes. In PREFIRE’s case, they carry equipment to measure Earth’s outgoing heat energy, specifically from the poles.
Who is in charge of managing the PREFIRE mission?
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the PREFIRE mission, with spectrometers provided by JPL and CubeSats built by Blue Canyon Technologies. Data will be processed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Why is studying the polar regions important for understanding climate change?
The polar regions significantly influence Earth’s energy budget due to the reflection, absorption, and emission of heat. Monitoring these dynamics helps scientists predict changes related to sea level rise, ice sheet melt, and weather patterns.
Conclusion
NASA’s launch of the PREFIRE climate satellites marks a significant step forward in our understanding of Earth’s climate system, particularly the complex dynamics at work in the polar regions. As climate change continues to impact the planet, collecting accurate data on the Earth’s energy budget is critical for forecasting future environmental shifts and preparing global communities for the challenges ahead. The successful deployment and operation of these compact yet powerful CubeSats will be instrumental in driving our knowledge and response to a warming world.