Trump admin strips ocean and pollution monitoring from next-gen satellites
3 days ago
- #NOAA
- #satellites
- #climate change
- NOAA is reducing the number and capabilities of next-generation weather and climate satellites.
- Two instruments measuring air quality and ocean conditions have been removed from the project.
- The changes are aimed at cutting costs and focusing on weather forecasting rather than climate change research.
- The GeoXO satellite series will now consist of four satellites instead of six, with the first launch in 2032.
- Critics argue the cuts will reduce data quality and understanding of environmental events like hurricanes and wildfires.
- The Trump administration's budget proposal includes shutting down NOAA's greenhouse gas monitoring network.
- Cancelling contracted instruments could result in fees and reduce US leadership in Earth observations.