NASA's PACE Satellite Launched to Study Earth's Oceans and Climate

The nearly $1 billion mission aims to advance understanding of ocean ecosystems and atmospheric interactions.

SpaceX successfully launched NASA's PACE satellite on February 8, 2024, from Cape Canaveral, marking a significant advancement in Earth observation.
PACE, valued at nearly $1 billion, aims to enhance our understanding of Earth's oceans, atmosphere, and climate by studying plankton, aerosols, clouds, and ocean ecosystems.
The mission, which faced cancellation attempts and delays, will provide critical data for climate research, including insights into ocean health and the carbon exchange between the ocean and atmosphere.
PACE's instruments, including a spectrometer and polarimeters, will offer unprecedented detail in observing the Earth's surface, aiding in the management of natural resources and identification of harmful algal blooms.
The satellite's launch signifies NASA's commitment to studying climate change, with PACE expected to operate for up to 10 years, joining a fleet of Earth science missions.