Astronomer- Dr. G

   For the first time in more than a decade, five NASA earth science missions will be launched into space in the same year. To change our planet, there will be opening new and improved remote eyes. The five launches, including two to the International space station, are part of an active year for NASA earth science. NASA satellites, aircraft, and research help scientists and policy makers find answers to critical challengers facing or planet.

   The first mission of the year is the global precipitation measurement core observatory. This mission will produce the first nearly global observations of rainfall and snowfall. The net NASA earth science mission to get off the ground this year is Rapid scat,an instrument scheduled to launch to the international space station on June 6. The new missions will study the earth's systems in the hopes of addressing major issues including extreme weather events.