Rocket Lab Selected For Back-To-Back Launches Of NASA's Climate Change Mission
In a move that highlights the growing role of private space companies in scientific endeavors, NASA has selected Rocket Lab to conduct two critical launches for its climate change research mission, known as PREFIRE (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment). This announcement, made on April 29, 2024, marks a significant moment for both NASA and Rocket Lab.
The mission aims to systematically measure the heat lost from Earth's polar regions for the first time. These measurements, obtained through infrared and far-infrared wavelengths, will be crucial for improving the accuracy of climate models and predicting the pace of global warming.
"Understanding Earth's energy balance is paramount in combating climate change," said Thomas Zurbuchen, Associate Administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, in a press release. "The data collected by PREFIRE will be instrumental in refining our climate models and making informed decisions about our planet's future."
To achieve this goal, NASA will leverage Rocket Lab's workhorse – the Electron rocket. This two-stage launch vehicle boasts a proven track record of successful missions and is well-suited for deploying small satellites like the twin spacecraft that make up PREFIRE.
The first launch, dubbed "Ready, Aim, PREFIRE," is scheduled for no earlier than May 22nd, 2024. The second launch, named "PREFIRE and Ice," will follow within three weeks of the successful deployment of the first satellite. Both missions will see the Electron rockets carrying their respective PREFIRE satellites into near-polar orbits at an altitude of approximately 470 to 650 kilometers (292 to 403 miles).
"We're incredibly honored to be entrusted by NASA with this critical climate science mission," said Peter Beck, CEO of Rocket Lab. "This collaboration signifies the increasing role of small launch vehicles in enabling groundbreaking scientific research."
The selection of Rocket Lab underscores NASA's ongoing efforts to diversify its launch capabilities and leverage the agility and cost-effectiveness offered by private space companies. This partnership between a government agency and a private space firm paves the way for future collaborations in scientific exploration and space research.
The successful deployment of the PREFIRE satellites will mark a significant milestone in climate change research. The data collected will contribute immensely to our understanding of Earth's energy balance and inform strategies for mitigating the effects of climate change. As the world grapples with this global challenge, the collaboration between NASA and Rocket Lab serves as a testament to the power of innovation and partnership in addressing pressing environmental concerns.
