Next Generation

Of all the planets NASA explores, none are studied more closely than Earth. Seventeen research satellites currently orbit the planet, collecting data that scientists use to measure the chemistry of the atmosphere, the transport of water from oceans to sky to land and the dynamics of the ice, forests, deserts and cities that cover the planet. Most importantly, scientists combine these global, long-term observations to study how Earth's systems influence its climate. NASA launched two orbiters in 2011—Suomi NPP and Aquarius/SAC-D—and has additional launches scheduled in 2013 and 2014. Collectively, these new missions will continue a 40-year record of land observations, revolutionize our ability to measure precipitation and put in orbit the first satellite dedicated to tracking carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. The still images in the media gallery highlight NASA's next generation of Earth-observing satellites, while the visualization shows the actual orbital paths of NASA's current fleet.