NASA recently announced two exciting satellite missions aimed at improving our understanding of Earth and enhancing our ability to predict environmental events. These missions are part of NASA’s Earth System Explorers Program, which focuses on important scientific priorities.
Nicky Fox, a leader at NASA, highlighted that these space missions will provide crucial data for disaster response teams. By studying Earth’s surface, ecosystems, and atmosphere, NASA aims to help protect communities and ensure astronaut safety during future space exploration, including efforts to return to the Moon and eventually reach Mars.
The first mission, STRIVE (Stratosphere Troposphere Response using Infrared Vertically-resolved light Explorer), will gather daily global measurements of temperature and other atmospheric elements from the upper troposphere to the mesosphere. This mission promises higher data accuracy than any previous efforts. STRIVE aims to improve long-range weather forecasts, a vital resource for coastal communities, where nearly 50% of the global population resides. Led by Lyatt Jaeglé from the University of Washington, this mission will provide insights into the recovery of the ozone layer.
The second mission, EDGE (Earth Dynamics Geodetic Explorer), will focus on mapping the three-dimensional structure of ecosystems and the surfaces of glaciers, ice sheets, and sea ice. This mission builds on existing data from NASA’s ICESat-2 and GEDI projects. EDGE will provide valuable information about land and sea transportation routes, which could influence commercial activities. Helen Amanda Fricker from the University of California San Diego leads this initiative.
Both missions are set to grow in the next development phase. They will be reviewed for confirmation in 2027, assessing their progress and funding. If all goes well, each mission is expected to have a budget of up to $355 million, with launches planned for no earlier than 2030.
This development comes at a crucial time when climate change is a major concern. Recent studies show that the last eight years have been the warmest on record, highlighting the urgent need for accurate environmental monitoring. By leveraging advanced satellite technology, these missions could significantly contribute to our understanding of climate dynamics and aid in disaster preparedness.
For further details on the Earth System Explorers Program, you can visit NASA’s dedicated page.
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Earth Science Division, Science Mission Directorate
