NASA has announced two next-generation satellite missions aimed at enhancing understanding of Earth and improving predictions for environmental events and disaster mitigation. Nicki Fox, deputy administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, highlighted the missions’ significance, noting they will provide critical data for disaster responders and decision-makers, and aid future space exploration, including lunar and Martian endeavors.
The missions are part of NASA’s Earth System Explorer Program, which focuses on key scientific priorities.
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STRIVE (Stratospheric Tropospheric Response Using Infrared Vertical Resolved Optical Explorer): This mission will gather daily high-resolution measurements of atmospheric temperature and aerosol properties from the upper troposphere to the mesosphere. It aims to enhance long-term weather forecasting, especially for vulnerable coastal populations. The mission is led by Riot Jagre from the University of Washington.
- EDGE (Earth Dynamics Geodetic Explorer): This initiative will examine the three-dimensional structure of terrestrial ecosystems, glaciers, and sea ice, building on data from existing NASA missions like ICESat-2. It will provide insights relevant for land and sea transport and other commercial interests, led by Helen Amanda Fricker from the University of California, San Diego.
Both missions will move to the next development stage and undergo a review in 2027 to assess progress and funding. If confirmed, each mission’s total cost will not exceed $355 million, with planned launches by 2030.
