Two new NASA satellites "STRIVE" and "EDGE" to be launched by 2030 to study Earth’s changing systems

Two next-generation satellite missions will help NASA better understand Earth. (Image: NASA)

• NASA selects STRIVE and EDGE missions to study Earth's climate changes.
• STRIVE will measure upper atmosphere temperature, ozone, and trace gases.
• EDGE will map forests and ice, launches expected no earlier than 2030.

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NASA is preparing to take a deeper look at Earth, from the edge of space. The space agency has selected 2 new satellite missions under its Earth System Explorers Program. These missions are designed to observe how our planet’s atmosphere, ice sheets and ecosystems are changing in a warming world.

Together, they aim to provide sharper data, better forecasts, and stronger climate insights. At a time when extreme weather, sea-level rise and shifting ecosystems are changing majorly, NASA believes more precise measurements from orbit are urgently needed.

What Is NASA Planning?

NASA has selected two new missions named STRIVE and EDGE to move forward into the next phase of development. Both are part of a competitive programme focused on smaller, cost-effective Earth science satellites that can answer high-priority climate questions.

Each mission will now undergo further technical reviews and funding confirmation before final approval. If confirmed, they will join NASA’s growing fleet of Earth-observing spacecraft.

What Will These Two Satellites Do?

The first mission, STRIVE (Stratosphere Troposphere Response using Infrared Vertically-resolved light Explorer), will measure temperature, ozone, aerosols and trace gases from the upper troposphere into the mesosphere.

The second mission, EDGE (Earth Dynamics Geodetic Explorer), will focus on Earth’s surface. It will map the 3D structure of forests and measure the topography of glaciers, ice sheets and sea ice.

Why Are These Satellites Needed Now?

With a major change observed in climate, glaciers, weather, scientists decided to launch these two projects. Existing satellites provide valuable data, but scientists say higher resolution and better vertical measurements are needed to improve forecasts and refine climate models. Understanding how the upper atmosphere interacts with surface changes is crucial.

How Will These Satellites Be Tracked?

Like other NASA Earth-observing missions, STRIVE and EDGE will orbit the planet and transmit data back to ground stations. Their instruments will use advanced sensors and infrared measurements to collect precise readings.

Mission control teams and global tracking networks will monitor their positions, health and data flow continuously. Scientists worldwide will then analyse the incoming information to update climate models and environmental assessments.

When Will This Launch Take Place?

If approved after upcoming confirmation reviews, both missions are expected to launch no earlier than 2030. Each mission is capped at approximately $355 million, excluding launch costs.

For NASA, this is not just another pair of satellites. It is an investment in understanding Earth’s future, from the atmosphere above to the ice below.