Rocket Lab, a leading space technology company, has been chosen by NASA to launch two cubesats as part of the PREFIRE mission in 2024. The task order, awarded through NASA’s VADR contract, comes as a significant milestone for Rocket Lab. However, the financial details of the order have not been disclosed.
Under this agreement, Rocket Lab will deploy the cubesats individually on Electron rockets from its Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand. The launches are scheduled to take place in May 2024. The specific requirements of the PREFIRE mission, which include precise orbit parameters and launching the satellites in close proximity, necessitate the use of dedicated Electron launches.
The primary objective of the PREFIRE mission is to measure the energy entering and exiting the Earth, with a particular focus on the polar regions where data is limited. To accomplish this, each spacecraft will be equipped with a far-infrared spectrometer capable of measuring infrared fluxes between 5 and 54 microns.
One of the key aspects that makes the PREFIRE mission significant is its contribution to filling the knowledge gap regarding the Arctic energy budget and the role of far-infrared radiation in various climate phenomena. This includes Arctic warming, sea ice loss, ice sheet melt, and sea level rise. NASA’s selection of the PREFIRE mission in 2018 as part of its Earth Venture line of missions underscores the importance and potential impact of this research.
Collaboration plays a crucial role in the PREFIRE mission, with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the University of Wisconsin being involved in project management and instrument development. Their expertise and contributions will greatly enhance the mission’s scientific capabilities.
With an estimated cost of $33 million, the PREFIRE mission represents a significant investment in advancing our understanding of Earth’s energy dynamics and climate change. The cubesats to be launched by Rocket Lab will contribute invaluable data that will help scientists and researchers make informed decisions and policies to address current and future environmental challenges.
Rocket Lab’s selection by NASA for the PREFIRE mission is a testament to the company’s growing reputation in the space industry. With their track record of successful launches and innovative technology, Rocket Lab continues to play a crucial role in advancing scientific research and exploration.
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