NASA has launched a small climate satellite to space onboard Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket to study infrared emissions at Earth’s poles.
The Blue Canyon Technologies-manufactured Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment, or PREFIRE, CubeSat established communications with ground controllers five hours after liftoff from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, NASA said Saturday.
PREFIRE carries a thermal infrared spectrometer designed to measure infrared wavelengths, which will inform climate modeling and forecasting in the polar regions.
“This will improve prediction of sea ice loss, ice sheet melt, and sea level rise, creating a better understanding of how our planet’s system will change in the coming years — crucial information to farmers tracking changes in weather and water, fishing fleets working in changing seas, and coastal communities building resilience,” said Karen St. Germain, director of NASA’s Earth Science Division in Washington.
NASA is preparing to launch the second PREFIRE CubeSat onboard another Electron spacecraft.
Rocket Lab provides commercial launch services for the 10-month mission as part of a deal awarded under NASA’s $300 million Venture-class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare contract vehicle.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison will provide data processing services for the mission.