NASA Concludes CloudSat Mission After 18 Years of Pioneering Cloud Research

The CloudSat satellite, launched in 2006, has been decommissioned following nearly two decades of advanced atmospheric studies.

CloudSat, initially a 22-month mission, extended to nearly 18 years, providing unprecedented insights into cloud dynamics and weather systems.
The mission's Cloud Profiling Radar, a first of its kind, offered a 3D view of clouds, enhancing understanding of global precipitation and storm intensification.
Data from CloudSat has influenced thousands of scientific studies, improving knowledge of how clouds affect Earth's climate and weather patterns.
The satellite was decommissioned in March 2024 and is set to disintegrate in the atmosphere following a controlled orbital decay.
CloudSat's legacy will continue to influence future NASA missions, including the recently launched PACE satellite and the upcoming Earth System Observatory.