NASA has announced that it has awarded a launch services contract to Rocket Lab to launch the Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-Infrared Experiment (PREFIRE) mission. PREFIRE is a climate change research mission that will study how much heat is lost from the Arctic to space. The mission is scheduled to launch in May 2024 from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand.
PREFIRE will use two small satellites to measure the amount of far-infrared radiation emitted from the Arctic. Far-infrared radiation is a type of heat energy that is invisible to the human eye. It is important for understanding how much heat is lost from the Arctic to space, because far-infrared radiation accounts for about 60% of the Arctic’s total heat loss.
The data collected by PREFIRE will be used to improve climate models and forecasts. Climate models are computer programs that simulate the Earth’s climate system. They are used to predict how the climate will change in the future. Climate forecasts are predictions of how the climate will change in the near future.
The PREFIRE mission is a critical part of NASA’s efforts to understand climate change
The Arctic is warming at twice the rate of the rest of the planet, and this warming is having a significant impact on the Arctic ecosystem. PREFIRE will help scientists understand how the Arctic is changing, and it will help us to develop better strategies for adapting to climate change.
In addition to NASA, the PREFIRE mission is also supported by the National Science Foundation and the European Space Agency. The mission is a collaboration between scientists from the United States, Europe, and New Zealand.
The launch of PREFIRE is a major milestone in NASA’s efforts to understand climate change. The mission will provide valuable data that will help us to better understand the Arctic and how it is changing. This data will be essential for developing effective strategies for adapting to climate change.
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NASA JPL
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is responsible for developing and operating PREFIRE. JPL is a world-renowned research and development center that is located in Pasadena, California. JPL has a long history of developing and operating successful space missions, including the Voyager probes, the Mars rovers, and the Curiosity rover.
PREFIRE is a challenging mission, but JPL is confident that it will be successful. The team at JPL has a wealth of experience in developing and operating space missions, and they are committed to making PREFIRE a success.
The PREFIRE mission is an important step in NASA’s efforts to understand climate change. The data collected by PREFIRE will be essential for developing effective strategies for adapting to climate change. JPL is confident that PREFIRE will be a success, and it is excited to play a role in this important mission.
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How to Help
There are many things that you can do to help address climate change. Here are a few ideas:
- Reduce your carbon footprint by driving less, using less energy, and recycling more.
- Support policies that promote clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Get involved in your community and advocate for climate action.
- Educate yourself and others about climate change.
Every little bit helps. By taking action, you can help to protect the Arctic and the planet for future generations.
