The Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO*) satellite was designed to make the first space-based measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), an important greenhouse gas. Scientists believe fossil fuel use and other human activities have almost doubled the concentrations of this gas since the beginning of the industrial revolution. Atmospheric carbon dioxide is an efficient greenhouse gas because it absorbs and traps infrared radiation (heat) emitted by the Earth's surface, preventing it from escaping to space. OCO measurements were intended to help scientists to better understand how increasing CO2 concentrations is driving climate change around the globe. Orbital built the spacecraft under contract from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Performance:
Orbit: 705 km/98.2° Inclination
Power: 521 W orbit average
Mass: 447 kg (985 lbs)
Mission life: 24 months
Status:
Launch failure
Customer: Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Mission: NASA Earth System Science Pathfinder (ESSP) program
Quick Facts *
Each carbon dioxide molecule includes one carbon atom (C) sandwiched between two oxygen (O) atoms, forming a linear molecule, with the structure O=C=O
All animals release CO2 into the atmosphere as a by-product of metabolism.
Plants absorb CO2 from the air and use it, sunlight, water and oxygen
to produce their own energy (photosynthesis). Nearly everything we eat
comes directly or indirectly from this "carbon cycle."
Dr. David Crisp of JPL will be the principal investigator for the mission,
which includes more than 19 university, corporate and international partners.
