NASA’s Tiny PREFIRE Satellites Just Uncovered a Hidden Driver of Earth’s Storms – New Study/Science Updates

Education, Research & Positions
Dr AF Saeed
17th August 2025
0
2 minutes read

NASA’s PREFIRE mission, now extended through 2026, is shifting from the poles to a global view. Its twin CubeSats measure far-infrared radiation, uncovering how ice, clouds, and moisture shape Earth’s heat balance—vital for predicting storms and climate shifts. NASA Extends PREFIRE Mission to 2026 NASA’s PREFIRE (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment) mission has […]

Summary

NASA’s PREFIRE mission, extended to 2026, is expanding its focus from polar regions to a global perspective. Using twin CubeSats, the mission precisely measures far-infrared radiation emitted from Earth, a critical factor in understanding the planet’s heat balance. This data illuminates the role of ice, clouds, and atmospheric moisture in regulating energy flow, ultimately improving predictions of extreme weather events and long-term climate changes. The extended mission allows for a more comprehensive understanding of global energy exchange, crucial for addressing climate-related challenges.