NASA's PACE mission to unravel mysteries of climate change set for rescheduled launch after weather hurdles

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with NASA’s PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) spacecraft stands vertical at Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on February 5, 2024. (Image credit: SpaceX)

NASA and SpaceX have rescheduled the launch of the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission to February 8 at 1:33 am EST (12.03 pm IST) from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

The scheduled launches on February 6 and 7 were delayed due to unfavorable weather conditions.

Live coverage will begin on NASA+ and NASA TV at 12:45 am EST (11.15 pm IST) on February 8.

The mission, exploring the complex connections between oceans and the atmosphere amidst climate change, also seeks to reveal the impact of microscopic life in both water and air.

Understanding these airborne particles and clouds is pivotal in deciphering changes in climate and air quality, according to NASA. Data obtained from NASA’s PACE Earth-observing science mission will enhance understanding of the exchange of carbon dioxide between the ocean and atmosphere, measure key atmospheric variables related to air quality and Earth's climate, and monitor ocean health by studying microscopic marine organisms called phytoplankton.

Notably, aerosol products derived from the mission will aid in improving health advisories for phenomena like wildfire smoke, while other data products will assist in monitoring harmful algae blooms, wetland health indicators, and responding to incidents like oil spills. By monitoring aerosols in the atmosphere along with plankton on the surface of the ocean, scientists can collect information about the health of the Earth.

PACE Mission sparks excitement among scientists for groundbreaking insights

Scientists and researchers involved in NASA's PACE mission express enthusiasm about the potential impact of the mission.

Fred Huemmrich, part of NASA’s PACE team, is excited about the mission's hyperspectral data, anticipating insights into the dynamic changes in land ecosystems over time, including responses to factors like droughts and heat stress.

Jeroen Rietjens from the Netherlands Institute for Space Research highlights the importance of PACE, stating that it will provide unprecedented datasets for climate modeling, cloud and aerosol studies, enhancing our understanding of Earth's climate.

Jeremy Werdell, the project scientist for PACE, emphasizes the mission's significance in comprehensively studying the interconnected Earth system, fostering scientific growth and advancing our understanding of the planet.