Overview

• The Electron rocket successfully launched the first PREFIRE cubesat from New Zealand.
• PREFIRE's data will help predict sea ice loss, ice sheet melt, and sea level rise.
• The second identical cubesat will launch in the coming days to complete the mission.
• PREFIRE cubesats carry thermal infrared spectrometers to measure polar heat emissions.
• This mission is part of NASA's Earth Venture program, with a budget of nearly $33 million.