NASA has announced the selection of two new satellite missions that will help improve our understanding of Earth and enhance our ability to predict environmental events and disasters. These missions, known as STRIVE and EDGE, are part of NASA’s Earth System Explorers Program and will focus on key priorities identified by the science community and national needs.
The STRIVE mission will provide daily, near-global, high-resolution measurements of temperature, atmospheric elements, aerosol properties, ozone, and trace gases. This data will help improve longer-range weather forecasts, which are crucial for protecting coastal communities where a significant portion of the world’s population resides. Led by Lyatt Jaeglé at the University of Washington, STRIVE aims to better understand Earth’s atmosphere and support efforts to safeguard astronauts and spacecraft as we prepare for future missions to the Moon and Mars.
On the other hand, the EDGE mission will focus on observing the three-dimensional structure of terrestrial ecosystems, glaciers, ice sheets, and sea ice. Led by Helen Amanda Fricker at the University of California San Diego, EDGE will provide valuable insights into land and sea transportation corridors, terrain, and other areas of commercial interest. This mission represents an advancement in our ability to monitor and understand the Earth’s dynamic systems from space.
Both missions will now enter the next phase of development, with a confirmation review scheduled for 2027 to assess progress and funding availability. If confirmed, each mission is estimated to cost no more than $355 million (excluding launch costs), with a projected launch date of no earlier than 2030. These missions mark an important step forward in NASA’s efforts to harness the power of space exploration for the benefit of humanity.
For more information about the Earth System Explorers Program, visit the official NASA website.
Original Source: NASA