NEWS

• The US government is preparing to shut down NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) and OCO-3 satellites, which monitor atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) and crop health.
• The Trump administration cited that the missions are “beyond their prime” and are being ended to align with budget priorities.
• Experts argue these satellites remain more sensitive and accurate than any existing or planned missions worldwide.

HIGHLIGHTS

What Are OCO Satellites?

• OCO series: Designed to track atmospheric CO₂ globally, crucial for climate change studies.
• OCO-1 (2009): Failed at launch due to payload fairing malfunction.
• OCO-2 (2014): Successfully launched, capable of detecting CO₂ sources and sinks, and monitoring plant photosynthesis.
• OCO-3 (2019): Installed on the International Space Station, offering varied observation times compared to OCO-2’s fixed daily schedule.

Scientific Impact

• Revolutionized global CO₂ measurement—previously limited to ground stations.
• Helped policymakers assess emissions and create climate strategies.
• Revealed boreal forests as major CO₂ absorbers, challenging the long-held belief that tropical rainforests were the primary “lungs” of the planet.
• Showed that natural carbon sinks can become emitters due to drought or deforestation.

Agricultural Applications

• Data used to map global plant growth, aiding farmers, drought monitors, and forest managers.
• Supported US Department of Agriculture and private firms in crop yield forecasting and drought tracking.

Cost Considerations

• Development cost: ~$750 million for OCO-2 and OCO-3.
• Annual maintenance: ~$15 million, covering data downloads and calibration systems.
• Experts call the shutdown economically unjustified given the satellites’ ongoing value.

Possible Reprieve

• Congress could vote to preserve funding, which currently lasts until September 30.