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Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Page 5 The Future of Satellite ScienceScripps researchers are eager for the next generation of satellites to push science into the future and greatly increase their understanding of global environmental change. 
Satellite science still has far to travel. Global observations require long-term datasets and frequent measurements to understand changes in environmental conditions. Current satellites only have a lifespan of about five years and operate on varying orbital tracks. Researchers at Scripps argue that it is critically important to improve instruments and better incorporate time scales as various satellite observations are taking place simultaneously around the globe. "Just because we can do it doesn't mean the job is done," Minster said. Fricker sits on the ICESat science team, which is in the planning phase of ICESat 2. Glaciology has transformed since the advent of satellites and subglacial hydrology is becoming an integral part of the ICESat 2 design, according to Fricker. Science has reached a pivotal point in understanding and modeling the earth's climate system. In order to predict what will happen to the climate over the next 100 years scientists need precise satellite observations to feed their models. 
As for the future of science and satellite observation, "what we have learned over the past 50 years of Earth observation from space would have amazed our predecessors. Likewise, what will be known 50 years from now would amaze us today. We need to act upon that knowledge now," said Minster. |
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