03 Sep 2024 | Tim Michaels NASA has publicly released the first look at PREFIRE mission data, also known as the first light announcement! The PREFIRE science team worked with NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio to create this first light video. It showcases some of the fascinating infrared details of the Arctic surface and atmosphere that …
15 Aug 2024 | Erin Hokanson Wagner The 2024 PREFIRE Science Team Meeting was held at the University of Colorado on August 8th and 9th. The PREFIRE team, led by Tristan L’Ecuyer (PI), discussed the status of the PREFIRE CubeSats and instruments, the Science Data Processing System (SDPS), and preliminary data output, as well as …
05 Jun 2024 | Tim Michaels Rocket Lab successfully launched the second of two PREFIRE satellites from Mahia, New Zealand at 3:15 pm NZST (3:15 am UTC)! Webcast of the launch This work is supported by NASA.
01 Jun 2024 | Tim Michaels Rocket Lab has scheduled the second attempt at the #2 (and final) PREFIRE launch for June 5, 2024 at 03:13 am UTC! That is June 04, 2024 at 10:13 pm Central time in North America. Its first launch attempt was scrubbed (called off) due to some sensor readings that …
25 May 2024 | Erin Hokanson Wagner Rocket Lab successfully launched the first of two PREFIRE satellites from Mahia, New Zealand at 7:41 PM NZST (7:41 AM UTC). Blue Canyon Technologies, the company that built the 6U CubeSat and integrated the Jet Propulsion Lab’s Thermal Infrared Spectrometer, has nearly finished the satellite In-Orbit Checkout (IOC). …
22 May 2024 | Tim Michaels A highlight for today is Radio New Zealand’s short interview with Tristan L’Ecuyer, the PREFIRE Principal Investigator (PI). Courtesy of Rocket Lab, we have some photos to share of the PREFIRE CubeSats being carefully attached to their Electron rockets (about 1 week ago): Link: Rocket Lab’s PREFIRE Flickr album. …
21 May 2024 | Tim Michaels It is late autumn at the Rocket Lab launch complex in New Zealand, since it is in the southern hemisphere. Forecasts of unsuitable weather have delayed the first PREFIRE CubeSat launch until May 25, 2024 at 7:28 am UTC. While you are waiting, enjoy a new mission overview video! …
15 May 2024 | Tim Michaels After a long-distance voyage to the Rocket Lab launch complex in New Zealand, the tiny twin PREFIRE CubeSats are being prepped for launch aboard two separate Electron rockets. The first PREFIRE CubeSat launch (referred to as Ready, Aim, PREFIRE by Rocket Lab) may occur as soon as May 22, …
12 Feb 2024 | Tim Michaels Heading into space in late spring 2024 from a seaside launchpad in New Zealand, the dual PREFIRE CubeSats will soon begin their work! Although small in size, they will provide important measurements about how well the Earth’s polar regions are able to cool off. For more details, see the …