NASA is embarking on a groundbreaking mission known as PREFIRE (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-Infrared Experiment) to explore the mysteries of heat loss in the remote regions of the Earth – the Arctic and Antarctic. This mission involves the launch of twin cubesats, each about the size of a shoebox, into near-polar orbits.
The first cubesat, affectionately named “Ready, Aim, PREFIRE,” is scheduled to launch on May 22, with its partner “PREFIRE and ICE” following shortly after. These cubesats are specifically designed to measure far-infrared radiation with wavelengths longer than 15 microns, accounting for approximately 60% of heat loss at the poles.
Tristan L’Ecuyer, the principal investigator for PREFIRE at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, expressed excitement about this mission during a recent conference call with reporters. L’Ecuyer emphasized that this research will provide valuable insights into how various factors such as clouds, humidity, and surface conditions contribute to heat dissipation in these remote regions.
By investigating the amount of heat radiated from Earth’s polar regions into space, these cubesats will shed light on the impact of this heat on our climate. Equipped with a thermal infrared spectrometer, the cubesats will measure far-infrared energy radiated by Earth’s surface and atmosphere.
One of the advantages of using cubesats for this mission is their cost-effectiveness compared to full-size satellites. Despite their compact size, these cubesats are well-equipped to answer critical questions about heat loss in polar regions.
The data gathered by the PREFIRE mission will significantly contribute to our understanding of the greenhouse effect in the poles. It will help scientists assess the capacity of water vapor, clouds, and other atmospheric elements to trap heat and prevent its escape into space.
Ultimately, this data will be instrumental in updating climate and ice models, enabling more accurate predictions regarding the future changes in sea levels, weather patterns, and snow and ice coverage in a warming world.
In summary, PREFIRE represents a remarkable undertaking by NASA to unravel the mysteries of heat loss in remote polar regions. Through the use of cubesats and advanced technology, this mission will provide crucial insights into our changing climate and its impact on Earth’s poles.
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