NASA's newest climate mission, the Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-Infrared Experiment (PREFIRE), has begun collecting crucial data on the amount of heat emitted by the Arctic and Antarctica. Launched on May 25 and June 5, 2023, PREFIRE's two shoebox-sized CubeSats are measuring far-infrared radiation (wavelengths greater than 15 micrometers) emitted by the polar regions. This groundbreaking research aims to understand how atmospheric water vapor and clouds influence heat escape from Earth, filling gaps in current climate models lacking systematic measurements of far-infrared emissions.
The PREFIRE mission is critical for improving predictions of climate change impacts. Far-infrared radiation affects Earth's energy balance and greenhouse effect, and PREFIRE's data will enhance understanding of climate change impacts on ice, seas, and weather. This innovative science is made possible through collaboration with university and industry partners, demonstrating the power of CubeSats in Earth science research.
The PREFIRE data visualization shows brightness temperatures and radiation intensity, demonstrating variations in far-infrared emissions over time and altitude. This critical information enables researchers to study short-lived phenomena like ice sheet melting and cloud formation. With PREFIRE's near-polar orbits, the two CubeSats collect data on the same locations within hours, providing time series measurements that facilitate the study of dynamic processes affecting far-infrared emissions.
According to Tristan L'Ecuyer, PREFIRE's Principal Investigator, "With PREFIRE, we're seeing for the first time the full energy spectrum that Earth radiates into space." Karen St. Germain, NASA Earth Science Division Director, adds, "CubeSats like PREFIRE demonstrate innovative science through collaboration." As PREFIRE continues to collect data, scientists will gain valuable insights into the complex interactions driving climate change.
