As a former scientist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, the successful launch of the PACE satellite mission is a significant milestone in Earth sciences. The Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) satellite mission was launched on February 8th from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, injected into orbit by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
The oceans are experiencing the impacts of climate change, including marine heatwaves, sea level rise, coral bleaching, and loss of biodiversity. PACE will allow researchers to study the effects of climate change on phytoplankton, crucial organisms in the global carbon cycle that absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Understanding Phytoplankton and the Carbon Cycle
Phytoplankton are tiny organisms that play a vital role in ecosystem processes, the food chain, and economic health. The Ocean Color Instrument on the PACE satellite uses hyperspectral technology to measure ocean color, enabling the tracking of phytoplankton distribution globally on a daily basis.
The PACE Satellite and its Instruments
In addition to the Ocean Color Instrument, the PACE satellite features polarimeter instruments that provide new insights into cloud properties, aerosols, and air quality. These instruments help researchers understand the relationships between aerosols, clouds, and phytoplankton, essential for addressing climate change.
Advancing Earth Science with PACE
PACE is an open-source science mission that accelerates our understanding of the Earth system. By delivering actionable science and data, PACE supports coastal communities and industries in addressing evolving challenges related to climate change.
Oceans cover about 75% of the planet, making space-based observations crucial for studying and addressing climate change. PACE is a vital tool in this effort, providing valuable insights into ocean-atmosphere interactions and contributing to a better understanding of our planet's health.
