NASA will disconnect 3 of its satellites

NASA has decided to disconnect 3 of its first satellites sent to space

The satellites Terra, Aqua and Aura They were part of the mission of the NASA to study the Earth’s atmosphere, land, and oceans. Launched on December 18, 1999, Terra was the first of these satellites to be placed in orbit. Its objective is to obtain information about the atmosphere, the Earth’s surface and solar radiation processes. Terra is equipped with five instruments that allow it to monitor the Earth’s surface, map surface heat, and measure the balance between incoming and outgoing radiation.

Aqua, released on May 4, 2002, focuses on water in all its forms: on Earth, in the atmosphere, and falling as rain. This mission is designed to collect data on evaporation and the water cycle, soil moisture, and convection in the atmosphere. Aqua carries six different instruments that help in the observation of these processes and contribute to studies related to climate changes and the improvement of weather prediction.

Aura is the third satellite and was launched on July 15, 2004 and is dedicated to the study of the Earth’s atmosphere. Its mission is to improve understanding of air quality and climate change by monitoring the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere. The instruments aboard Aura are designed to observe atmospheric trace gases, the chemistry of the ozonosphere, and the properties of particles in the atmosphere.

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These 3 satellites have worked significantly for years providing valuable data to better understand and protect our planet. Each one plays a specific role in monitoring different aspects of the Earth system. Knowing about the changes that are coming in the near future, other satellite instruments will provide the information sought to be obtained from space.

The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and NASA They work on alternatives such as lighter and cheaper instruments. Norman G. Loeb, The scientist recalls that to trust these new measurements, it is crucial to start using them before the current satellites stop working, to be able to properly compare and calibrate the data.