# PREFIRE 1

> NASA CubeSat studying Earth's infrared radiation

**Wikidata**: [Q126371369](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q126371369)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/prefire-1

## Summary
PREFIRE 1 is a NASA CubeSat mission designed to study Earth's infrared radiation, specifically focusing on thermal emissions. Launched on May 25, 2024, the 3-kilogram spacecraft operates as a technology demonstration and Earth observation satellite in a Sun-synchronous orbit. It is the first of two identical satellites in the PREFIRE mission managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: May 25, 2024, at 07:41 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Electron rocket (Flight 48).
- **Launch Site**: Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1B.
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit.
- **Mass**: 3 kilograms.
- **Mission Type**: Earth observation satellite and technology demonstration spacecraft.
- **Form Factor**: CubeSat (miniaturized satellite).
- **Scientific Instrument**: Thermal Infrared Spectrometer.
- **Operator**: Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
- **Manufacturers**: Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Space Science and Engineering Center.
- **COSPAR ID**: 2024-099A.
- **Successor**: PREFIRE 2.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of the PREFIRE 1 satellite?
A: PREFIRE 1 is designed to study Earth's infrared radiation, specifically measuring the amount of thermal infrared energy the planet emits. This data helps researchers understand Earth's energy budget and climate dynamics.

### Q: When and how was PREFIRE 1 launched?
A: PREFIRE 1 was launched on May 25, 2024, aboard an Electron rocket from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1B.

### Q: Who built and operates PREFIRE 1?
A: The satellite was manufactured by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the Space Science and Engineering Center. It is operated by JPL.

## Why It Matters
PREFIRE 1 represents a critical advancement in the use of miniaturized satellite technology for complex climate science. By deploying a small, 3-kilogram CubeSat equipped with a specialized Thermal Infrared Spectrometer, NASA aims to gather precise data on the far-infrared radiation emitted by Earth. Much of the planet's cooling occurs through this unexplored far-infrared spectrum, particularly in polar regions, yet current climate models often lack detailed measurements of these emissions.

Accurately quantifying this radiation is essential for understanding how clouds and water vapor trap heat and how the Arctic and Antarctic regulate the global climate. PREFIRE 1 serves a dual role as both a technology demonstration—validating the capabilities of the Electron launch vehicle and CubeSat platforms in a Sun-synchronous orbit—and a scientific instrument that will refine predictions of future climate change. As the lead satellite preceding PREFIRE 2, it establishes the baseline for a comparative dataset that will enhance global weather forecasting and climate modeling.

## Notable For
- **Studying Far-Infrared Radiation**: Specifically tasked with analyzing the Thermal Infrared Spectrometer data to understand Earth's energy emissions.
- **CubeSat Technology**: Demonstrates the capability of small, 3kg satellites to perform high-value Earth science missions typically reserved for larger platforms.
- **Dual-Mission Architecture**: Operating as one of two identical units (along with PREFIRE 2) to provide temporal coverage of thermal emissions.
- **Sun-Synchronous Orbit**: Positioned to consistently observe Earth under similar lighting conditions, crucial for long-term climate data.

## Body

### Mission Overview
PREFIRE 1, an acronym for Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-Infrared Experiment-1, is a NASA-funded spacecraft classified as an Earth observation satellite and a technology demonstration spacecraft. As a CubeSat composed of miniaturized 10cm-sided cubic modules, the satellite has a total mass of 3 kilograms. It is part of the broader PREFIRE mission, which aims to fill gaps in the understanding of Earth’s energy budget.

### Technical Specifications
The spacecraft is powered by two solar arrays, which generate the necessary electricity for its systems. The primary scientific payload is a Thermal Infrared Spectrometer, an instrument selected to measure the infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's surface and atmosphere. The satellite was constructed through a partnership between the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the Space Science and Engineering Center.

### Launch and Deployment
PREFIRE 1 successfully lifted off on May 25, 2024, at 07:41 UTC. The launch was conducted by Rocket Lab using an Electron two-stage orbital launch vehicle, specifically designated as the 48th flight of the Electron rocket. The launch site was Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1B. Following deployment, the satellite entered a Sun-synchronous orbit to begin its science operations.

### Operational Context
The satellite is identified by the COSPAR ID 2024-099A and the SCN 59881. It is followed in mission operations by its twin spacecraft, PREFIRE 2. Both satellites were developed and are managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the United States.

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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/prefire.htm)
2. [Source](https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/prefire)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](https://space.oscar.wmo.int/satellites/view/prefire_1)