NASA's Earth Observing fleet expands and modernizes programs

NASA's Earth Observing fleet is getting older but still effective. New missions have launched over the past year, and efforts continue to extend the life of existing ones. The Terra satellite, which launched 25 years ago, is a prime example. It collects important daily data on Earth, helping track temperature, vegetation, and air quality. Terra’s anniversary was celebrated on December 18, 2024, at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. Senior managers and project contributors shared stories about Terra's impact. During related sessions at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) meeting, Terra's team celebrated with an anniversary dinner. NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) also reached a milestone last summer, marking ten years in space. Launched in 2014, OCO-2 measures carbon dioxide levels with great precision. Its data has provided insights into how Earth's ecosystems respond to changes like El Niño and the effects of climate events on carbon emissions. OCO-2 is now considered the gold standard for space-based CO2 measurements. Meanwhile, OCO-3, launched to the International Space Station in 2019, celebrated its five-year milestone. It offers different perspectives and data collection methods that enhance tracking of CO2 levels. In another part of Earth observation, NASA's Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) marked ten years in orbit in February 2025. This mission has two instruments that monitor Earth’s climate and provide valuable data for scientific research. NASA's Airborne Science Program is also evolving. After decades of service, the DC-8 aircraft has been retired and will be replaced with a Boeing 777. This new aircraft will enhance NASA's ability to collect data for Earth science. NASA conducted several field campaigns recently, including the WHyMSIE mission on the West Coast. This campaign tested new observing technologies in various atmospheric conditions. Another mission, FireSense, tested tools to improve wildland fire management in Montana last year. Jack Kaye, a notable figure in NASA's Earth Science Division, recently received the William T. Pecora Award for his contributions to Earth science research. In outreach efforts, NASA participated in the annual AGU meeting in December 2024, showcasing its research and engaging with thousands of attendees. Finally, the article ends with remembrances of three influential figures in Earth science who passed away in late 2024. Their contributions have had lasting impacts on research and technological development in the field.