NASA Successfully Launches First PREFIRE Satellite from Rocket Lab on May 25, 2024

May 25, 2024, 05:45 AM

NASA successfully launched the first of two PREFIRE satellites on May 25, 2024, at 7:41 p.m. NZST (3:28 a.m. EDT) from Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket in Māhia, New Zealand. The PREFIRE mission aims to measure far-infrared radiation emitted from Earth's polar regions to improve climate predictions. The twin CubeSats will help researchers understand the future of Earth's climate by collecting new ranges of far-IR data. This mission is expected to provide critical insights into how Earth's ice, seas, and weather will change in a warming world. Laurie Leshin, JPL Director, highlighted that the PREFIRE CubeSats will close a significant gap in knowledge about Earth's energy budget. Watch the Small Satellite blog for mission updates and info on the upcoming second launch.