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NASA’s latest Earth observation satellite is pace (Plankton, Aerosols, Clouds, and Marine Ecosystems) is dedicated to climate science and helps researchers learn more about the relationship between the atmosphere and ocean.
Satellite observation techniques have been used for decades to study Earth’s atmosphere and oceans, but PACE, equipped with two spectrometers and polarimeter, will provide new data on ocean clouds, aerosols, and phytoplankton. By providing this, we will make great progress.
PACE enables new views of clouds and aerosols in the atmosphere and microscopic phytoplankton in the ocean, helping to further illuminate the effects of climate change on marine life and ocean health.
Changes in phytoplankton populations can appear as different colors on the ocean surface, and PACE makes these color changes easier to discern. Phytoplankton also interact with microscopic airborne particles called aerosols. When water vapor condenses on these particles, clouds form in the atmosphere. Aerosols can be generated by wildfires and environmental pollution. Particles often end up deposited on the ocean surface and can promote phytoplankton blooms.
Scientists will use data from PACE’s instruments to measure the size, composition, and amount of aerosols present in the atmosphere. This information will help scientists better understand how clouds and aerosols interact and how that affects ocean health. Putting these pieces of the puzzle together can reveal larger insights about climate change.
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket will follow a path along the South Pole orbit, placing PACE into a sun-synchronous orbit. The lift-off schedule is 1:33 a.m. ET.
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center is responsible for missions that include spacecraft design and construction and equipment development. The agency’s Launch Services Program (LSP), based at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, manages launch services for the mission.
PACE is the first LSP launch from Florida’s Space Coast to polar orbit and NASA’s first since 1960. Other launches into polar orbit have been conducted from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. SpaceX launched into polar orbit from Florida for other customers.
For more information about PACE, please visit:
https://science.nasa.gov/mission/pace
Stay here for more blog posts or watch the launch broadcast on NASA TV. N.A.SA+, NASA appand agents’ websitesimilarly YouTube, X, Facebook, convulsionsand daily motion.
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