When you think of NASA, what typically comes to mind? Astronauts, Mars rovers, Voyager, and the Golden Record, right? But did you know that NASA has also been devoted to studying and safeguarding our home planet for many years? This involves a wide array of tools, including balloons, aircraft, satellites, and even the International Space Station.
In this captivating documentary, “Sky High,” we delve into the endeavors of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) as they embark on a mission to measure greenhouse gases. Their journey starts with the groundbreaking science instrument AIRS and takes us right up to the modern Orbiting Carbon Observatory 3 (OCO-3) aboard the International Space Station.
OCO-3, launched on May 3, 2019, from Cape Canaveral in Florida, is a space instrument meticulously designed to unravel essential questions about Earth’s carbon dioxide distribution. It seeks to understand its connection to the ever-growing urban populations and the changing patterns of fossil fuel combustion.
Join us on this awe-inspiring journey as we witness the remarkable strides taken by JPL and NASA in their pursuit to protect and understand our precious planet.
“Sky High” is part of the enthralling video series, “JPL and the Space Age,” which covers a wide range of captivating episodes, including “The American Rocketeer,” “Destination Moon,” “Mission to Mars,” and many more.
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Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NASA Earth Monitoring
What is the focus of the NASA documentary “Sky High”?
The focus of the NASA documentary “Sky High” is on NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and its efforts to study and monitor Earth’s carbon dioxide levels using space-based instruments. The documentary traces the journey from the pathfinding science instrument AIRS to the modern Orbiting Carbon Observatory 3 (OCO-3) aboard the International Space Station. OCO-3 is designed to investigate questions about carbon dioxide distribution on Earth in relation to urban populations and fossil fuel combustion patterns.
When was the Orbiting Carbon Observatory 3 (OCO-3) launched?
OCO-3 was launched on May 3, 2019, from Cape Canaveral in Florida.
What is the primary goal of OCO-3?
The primary goal of OCO-3 is to investigate the distribution of carbon dioxide on Earth and its correlation with growing urban populations and changing patterns of fossil fuel combustion.
What are the previous episodes in the “JPL and the Space Age” video series?
The previous episodes in the “JPL and the Space Age” video series include:
- The American Rocketeer
- Explorer 1
- Destination Moon
- The Changing Face of Mars
- The Stuff of Dreams
- The Footsteps of Voyager
- To the Rescue
- The Pathfinders
- The Breaking Point
- Saving Galileo
- Mission to Mars
- Landing on Mars
- Triumph at Saturn – Part I
- Triumph at Saturn – Part II
How has NASA been studying Earth’s climate and environment?
NASA has been studying Earth’s climate and environment for decades using various tools, including balloons, aircraft, satellites, and even the International Space Station. These efforts are dedicated to monitoring the health of our planet and understanding changes in greenhouse gas levels and climate patterns.
What is the significance of the Orbiting Carbon Observatory 3 (OCO-3)?
OCO-3 plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of carbon dioxide distribution on Earth. By studying this greenhouse gas and its relation to urbanization and fossil fuel consumption, OCO-3 provides valuable insights into climate change and its impact on the environment.
Where can I watch the documentary “Sky High”?
Information on where to watch the documentary “Sky High” can be found on official NASA platforms, JPL’s website, or other official sources associated with NASA’s media distribution.
Is the “JPL and the Space Age” video series related to other NASA missions?
Yes, the “JPL and the Space Age” video series covers various captivating episodes related to NASA’s historical missions and endeavors, including missions to Mars, Voyager’s journey, Saturn exploration, and more. It provides a comprehensive insight into NASA’s significant contributions to space exploration.
More about NASA Earth Monitoring
- NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Official Website: JPL Website
- Orbiting Carbon Observatory 3 (OCO-3) Mission Page: OCO-3 Mission
- Information on NASA’s Earth Science Missions: NASA Earth Science Missions
- NASA’s YouTube Channel for “JPL and the Space Age” Video Series: NASA’s YouTube Channel
- Official NASA Website: NASA Website
