SpaceX successfully sends a $948 million NASA satellite into orbit, which aims to provide valuable insights on the topic of climate change.

February 8, 2024 Benjamin Hughes

On Thursday, SpaceX sent a satellite into orbit for NASA to conduct environmental research. This expensive spacecraft, costing nearly $1 billion, faced numerous potential cancellations but ultimately prevailed. It is expected to provide valuable insights into climate change and the interconnected relationship between carbon, aerosols, and marine life on a global level.

The PACE mission, also known as the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, Ocean Ecosystem mission, will greatly enhance our comprehension of the connection between aerosols and clouds, as well as the Earth’s overall energy balance. Karen St. Germain, who oversees NASA’s Earth sciences division, expressed that this area is a major source of uncertainty when it comes to accurately modeling the climate.

On February 8, 2024, a long exposure photograph captured the bright trail of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as it launched from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The photo also shows the separate paths of the rocket’s first stage as it descended back to the launch site for a precise landing.

Michael Cain / Spaceflight Now

She stated that PACE will educate us about the oceans in a similar manner to how the James Webb Space Telescope is enlightening us about the universe. This encompasses a vast understanding of ocean biology.

William Harwood

Since 1984, Bill Harwood has dedicated himself to reporting on the U.S. space program, originally as the bureau chief for United Press International in Cape Canaveral and currently as a consultant for CBS News.

Source: cbsnews.com