NASA’s PACE satellite is primed for launch to observe the different colors of the ocean. The PACE spacecraft is designed to provide insights into the overall well-being of oceans across the globe. It will be carried into space on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Tuesday (Feb. 6) at 1:33 a.m. EST (0633 GMT). The liftoff can be watched live on Space.com, courtesy of NASA, or directly through the space agency’s coverage, which will commence at 12:45 a.m. EST (0545 GMT).
Once in space, PACE will be placed in an orbit 420 miles (677 kilometers) above Earth, which is approximately 70% higher than the International Space Station’s orbit. PACE will utilize its three scientific instruments to gather data on clouds, aerosols, and phytoplankton growth, which will help determine the color of the ocean. This information will provide a better understanding of the types and locations of microscopic algae, critical to the health of Earth’s oceans and marine life. PACE will contribute to NASA’s extended history of global satellite observations of ocean biology, air quality, and climate-related measurements.
The 10.5-foot-long (3.2-meter-long) PACE will conduct its mission for at least three years. Originally planned for 2022 with a budget of $805 million, the mission has seen an increase in its total cost to $948 million. The Trump administration made multiple attempts to cut the mission’s funding, but each time, Congress ensured the necessary budget, ultimately saving PACE from cancellation.
The launch of PACE is part of a bustling year for SpaceX, with the company having launched a record ten orbital missions in January. Looking forward, SpaceX aims to increase its launch frequency, with plans to conduct 144 missions in 2024, as stated by company representatives.
