NASA has selected two University of Washington-led teams for satellite missions aimed at enhancing our understanding of Earth and improving disaster preparedness. The STRIVE and EDGE missions, part of NASA's Earth System Explorers Program, will focus on atmospheric and surface observations, respectively.
STRIVE: Unveiling Atmospheric Secrets
STRIVE, short for Stratosphere-Troposphere Response using Infrared Vertically-resolved light Explorer, will delve into the atmosphere's intricate dynamics. Led by Lyatt Jaeglé, a UW professor of atmospheric and climate science, STRIVE aims to study temperature and trace gases in the atmosphere. Its instruments, compact enough to fit in an SUV trunk, can make over 400,000 observations daily. Unlike traditional missions, STRIVE's sideways-angled sensors provide detailed insights into the atmosphere, including ozone levels and the chemical species affecting it.
Jaeglé highlights the importance of STRIVE's observations in understanding air pollution's impact on wildfires and volcanic eruptions. Additionally, it will significantly enhance weather forecasting beyond the current 10-day limit, allowing for better preparedness against extreme weather events.
EDGE: Mapping Earth's Surface in Detail
EDGE, or Earth Dynamics Geodetic Explorer, led by Helen Amanda Fricker from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, will employ lasers to observe Earth's surface changes. It will be the first global satellite imaging laser altimeter system, capturing surface details with high resolution. With over 150,000 measurements per second, EDGE can precisely track changes in surface elevation, providing valuable data for various applications.
Benjamin Smith, a senior principal physicist at the UW Applied Physics Laboratory, emphasizes EDGE's ability to reveal fine-scale processes that drive large-scale changes. This mission will significantly contribute to understanding sea level rise, natural hazards, water resource management, and wildfire response.
Both missions represent significant technological and scientific advancements, showcasing NASA's commitment to exploring and understanding our planet. The teams' expertise and innovative approaches will undoubtedly lead to groundbreaking discoveries and improved environmental monitoring capabilities.
