PREFIRE Mission

May 27, 2024

PREFIRE stands for Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment. This mission involves two small satellites that are designed to measure a specific type of energy emitted by the Earth, known as far-infrared radiation. Far-infrared radiation is a part of the electromagnetic spectrum that we can't see with our eyes but is crucial for understanding Earth's energy balance and climate.

The polar regions, both the Arctic and the Antarctic, are incredibly important for the global climate system. They act like Earth's air conditioners, reflecting sunlight and regulating temperatures. However, these areas are also warming faster than the rest of the planet. Scientists need accurate data to understand how this rapid change affects global weather patterns, sea levels, and ecosystems.

The PREFIRE mission uses two CubeSats, which are small, low-cost satellites. These CubeSats are equipped with advanced sensors that measure the far-infrared radiation emitted from the Earth’s surface. By collecting this data, PREFIRE will help scientists improve climate models, understand how energy is exchanged between the Earth's surface and the atmosphere, especially in polar regions, and monitor ice and snow in the polar regions.

Learn more at NASA PREFIRE mission.

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