The first new NASA Earth science mission of 2014 is the Global Precipitation Measurement Core Observatory, a joint international project with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. Launch is scheduled for Feb. 27, 2014, from Japan.
For the first time in more than a decade, five NASA Earth science missions will be launched into space in the same year, opening new and improved remote eyes to monitor our changing planet.
The five launches, including two to the International Space Station (ISS), are part of an active year for NASA Earth science researchers, who also will conduct airborne campaigns to the poles and hurricanes, develop advanced sensor technologies, and use satellite data and analytical tools to improve natural hazard and climate change preparedness. NASA satellites, aircraft, and research help scientists and policymakers find answers to critical challenges facing our planet, including climate change, sea level rise, decreasing fresh water and extreme weather events.
“As NASA prepares for future missions to an asteroid and Mars, we're focused on Earth right now,” said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. “With five new missions set to launch in 2014, this really is shaping up to be the year of the Earth, and this focus on our home planet will make a significant difference in people's lives around the world.”
Image courtesy of NASA.
