In the early hours of Thursday, NASA’s latest Earth science mission began its journey to space, marking the start of a mission to better our understanding of the planet’s marine life and atmospheric conditions.
The Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) satellite was successfully launched at 1:33 a.m. ET from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This mission is poised to provide an unprecedented look at Earth’s microscopic marine life and tiny atmospheric particles, opening new frontiers in the study of our planet’s health and climate.
PACE’s launch from Cape Canaveral marks the first U.S. government mission to a polar or sun-synchronous orbit from Florida in over 60 years.
The successful launch came after two delays due to adverse weather conditions, including high winds and cumulus clouds, but conditions were more than favorable on the rescheduled launch date. Approximately 8 minutes after liftoff, the Falcon 9’s booster made a successful landing back on Earth, demonstrating SpaceX’s commitment to reusability. The spacecraft’s team confirmed the successful deployment of the solar arrays and power reception just over half an hour after launch, signaling a strong start to the mission.
The PACE mission represents the culmination of two decades of scientific vision aimed at enhancing our understanding of how oceanic and atmospheric processes interact to shape Earth’s environment. Jeremy Werdell, PACE project scientist, emphasized the mission’s goal to explore the “microscopic, mostly invisible universe in the sea and the sky,” shedding light on the critical indicators of ocean health and global warming.
Equipped with two polarimeters and a sophisticated camera, PACE will analyze a spectrum of light across different wavelengths. This capability will allow scientists to observe phenomena previously beyond our grasp, according to Karen St. Germain, director of NASA’s Earth Science Division. The mission aims to dissect the complex relationships between aerosols, clouds, and phytoplankton, providing key insights into their roles in Earth’s climate system.
PACE is not just another satellite; it represents a leap forward in Earth observation technology. With an initial lifespan of three years, extendable up to a decade thanks to its fuel reserves, PACE joins a fleet of more than two dozen NASA Earth science missions. These missions collectively monitor the oceans, land, ice, and atmosphere, offering invaluable data on how our climate is changing.
NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy highlighted the urgency of the mission in the context of the ongoing climate crisis, noting the transformative changes our planet is experiencing. From extreme weather events and devastating wildfires to rising sea levels, NASA’s role as a “climate agency” has never been more critical. By leveraging the unique vantage point of space, NASA aims to collect vital Earth science data, making it available globally to inform decision-making processes and safeguard our planet for future generations.
The mission is expected to enhance our understanding of the carbon exchange between the ocean and atmosphere, a key factor in global warming. Kate Calvin, chief scientist and senior climate advisor at NASA, pointed out that while carbon dioxide absorption by land and oceans plays a role in climate dynamics, aerosols also have a significant impact. Aerosols, composed of pollutants, dust, smoke, and sea salt, can influence cloud formation and reflect or absorb sunlight, thereby affecting Earth’s weather, air quality, and climate stability.
