NASA has selected two next-generation satellite missions for continued development to enhance understanding of Earth’s systems and improve the ability to predict environmental hazards.
The STRIVE (Stratosphere Troposphere Response using Infrared Vertically-resolved light Explorer) mission will provide near-daily, high-resolution measurements of atmospheric temperature, aerosols and trace gases from the upper troposphere to the mesosphere. The data will include vertical profiles of ozone and other gases critical for tracking ozone-layer recovery and long-range weather patterns.
“NASA uses the unique vantage point of space to study our home planet to deliver life-saving data into the hands of disaster response and decision-makers every day,” said Nicky Fox, associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters.
Scientists say STRIVE’s high-density observations could significantly improve extended weather forecasting, particularly for coastal regions where a large share of the global population resides. The mission is led by Lyatt Jaeglé of the University of Washington.
The second mission, EDGE (Earth Dynamics Geodetic Explorer), will map the three-dimensional structure of ecosystems as well as the surface topography of glaciers, ice sheets and sea ice. Researchers expect the data to improve understanding of environmental changes affecting transportation routes, infrastructure and commercial activities.
EDGE will extend and enhance measurements currently provided by ICESat-2 and GEDI. The project is led by Helen Amanda Fricker of the University of California San Diego.
Both missions were selected under NASA’s Earth System Explorers Program, which supports principal investigator–led projects addressing key scientific priorities. The program aims to deliver high-quality Earth observations that can inform both environmental policy and future space exploration.
The missions will now proceed to the next phase of development, with confirmation reviews scheduled for 2027 to assess readiness and funding. If approved, each mission’s cost — excluding launch — is capped at $355 million, with launches expected no earlier than 2030.
NASA said improved understanding of Earth’s atmosphere, surface and ecosystems will also support planning for future human exploration missions, including those under the Artemis program to return astronauts to the Moon and eventually travel to Mars.
