The White House has asked NASA to shut down two key satellite missions focused on climate change. These satellites, known as the Orbiting Carbon Observatories, gather essential data about carbon dioxide levels. This information helps various industries, from oil and gas to agriculture, understand how carbon emissions can impact the environment and crop health.
One satellite is part of the International Space Station, while the other operates independently. If terminated, the latter would burn up upon re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere.
While it’s unclear why this directive came from the Trump administration, many suspect it relates to Trump’s skepticism about climate change. This has raised concerns, especially since these satellites were expected to operate for several more years. A recent NASA review indicated that the quality of data provided by these observatories is exceptionally high.
David Crisp, a former NASA employee who worked on the satellite instruments, shared that current staff have been asking pointed questions about termination. He remarked that these questions likely stemmed from directives to consider shutting down the missions. Crisp emphasized that terminating them makes little economic sense, noting that maintaining both satellites costs only $15 million annually, a tiny part of NASA’s overall budget of $25.4 billion.
Scientists who rely on this data have expressed alarm about the proposed cuts, which could threaten numerous missions. Many believe these actions could undermine the U.S.’s role in space exploration. A counterproposal from lawmakers aims to protect NASA’s funding, keeping it consistent with this year’s budget.
Senator Chris Van Hollen remarked that the proposed budget cuts could devastate NASA’s scientific capabilities, potentially ending 55 ongoing or planned missions.
Representative Zoe Lofgren pointed out that cutting funding for Earth-observing satellites could have dire consequences. It could hinder our ability to predict and respond to extreme weather and climate-related disasters. Moreover, she claimed these proposed cuts are illegal since they contradict funds already allocated for the current fiscal year.
With climate change becoming an increasingly urgent issue, maintaining these satellites is critical to understanding and managing our impact on the planet. Data from the Orbiting Carbon Observatories plays a vital role in shaping effective climate policies and responses.
Source link
