In a significant stride toward understanding Earth’s climate dynamics, NASA has launched the first of two research satellites aimed at measuring the amount of heat escaping into space from the Arctic and Antarctica.
The shoebox-size satellite embarked on its journey on Saturday at 7:42 p.m. local time (3:42 a.m. ET) aboard a Rocket Lab Electron rocket from Mahia, New Zealand. Rocket Lab confirmed the successful deployment of the satellite at 8:35 p.m. local time (4:35 a.m. ET).
Dubbed the Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment (PREFIRE), this climate science mission seeks to enhance scientists’ comprehension of how elements like water vapor and clouds in Earth’s atmosphere trap heat, preventing it from dissipating into space.
The data gathered by PREFIRE’s specialized miniature heat sensors will contribute to refining climate models, offering insights into the potential impact of the climate crisis on various facets such as sea levels, weather patterns, and snow and ice coverage.
Given that Earth absorbs substantial solar energy in tropical regions, the redistribution of this heat toward the poles plays a crucial role. PREFIRE focuses on measuring far-infrared wavelengths, which have not been systematically studied before, shedding light on an essential aspect of Earth’s energy balance.
Comprising two CubeSats equipped with advanced sensors, PREFIRE’s second satellite will be launched shortly after the deployment of the first one. Once both satellites are operational, they will operate in asynchronous near-polar orbits, enabling them to capture data from the same area at different times. This synchronized approach will facilitate the study of dynamic phenomena such as the impact of cloud cover variations on surface temperatures, providing valuable insights into Earth’s climate system.