description PACE Overview
PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) is an active NASA Earth-observing satellite launched into a sun-synchronous orbit in February 2024. The mission is specifically designed to study ocean color, microscopic marine phytoplankton, atmospheric aerosols, and global cloud cover. It carries a primary Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) alongside two polarimeters to measure the optical properties of the atmosphere and ocean surface. The data collected by PACE is intended for climate scientists and oceanographers aiming to better understand how the ocean and atmosphere interact.
help PACE FAQ
What does NASA's PACE mission study?
PACE studies ocean color, microscopic marine phytoplankton, atmospheric aerosols, and clouds. These measurements help scientists examine links between ocean ecosystems, air quality, and climate.
What does PACE stand for?
PACE stands for Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem. The name reflects the mission's combined study of life in the ocean and particles and clouds in the atmosphere.
When was NASA's PACE satellite launched?
PACE launched in February 2024 into a sun-synchronous orbit. That orbit supports repeated Earth observations under consistent lighting conditions.
Why does PACE measure ocean color?
Ocean color contains clues about substances such as chlorophyll produced by phytoplankton. PACE's observations can therefore help track marine ecosystems and changes in ocean biology at a global scale.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
