The Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission is a NASA Earth-observing satellite mission launched on February 8, 2024.
It's a significant program designed to improve our understanding of the interconnected processes between the ocean, atmosphere, and climate.
Goals:
Measure key variables: PACE will collect data on phytoplankton, tiny ocean organisms that play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle.
It will also measure aerosols (tiny particles) and clouds in the atmosphere, both of which significantly impact Earth's energy balance and climate.
Understand complex interactions: By gathering data on these interconnected elements, PACE aims to improve our understanding of how they interact and influence each other.
This knowledge is crucial for predicting future climate changes and mitigating their impacts.
Monitor ocean health: Detailed observations of phytoplankton will help monitor ocean health and productivity, contributing to sustainable fisheries management and marine conservation efforts.
Technology:
Advanced instrument: PACE carries the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI), a sophisticated hyperspectral imaging device that can distinguish between different types of phytoplankton and measure their abundance and health.
Global coverage: The satellite orbits Earth with a 16-day repeat cycle, providing regular and comprehensive data coverage of the global ocean and atmosphere.
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