How NASA's PACE mission will take the pulse of our living planet

NASA's PACE mission is designed to track the complex relationship between our oceans and atmosphere. By monitoring plankton, aerosols, and clouds, this mission provides critical insights into carbon exchange and ecosystem health, offering new ways to protect our economy and environment for decades.

The PACE mission—standing for Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem—aims to deepen our understanding of how the ocean and atmosphere interact to exchange carbon dioxide. By observing these systems, scientists can better track how aerosols influence the growth of phytoplankton in the surface ocean.

Beyond scientific research, the data collected will have practical applications for society and the economy, such as identifying the duration and reach of harmful algal blooms. Released in May 2023, the mission serves to extend and expand NASA's long-term observations, ensuring we can monitor Earth's vital signs with greater precision.

Source: A Sea of Data: The PACE Mission