# PREFIRE 2

> NASA CubeSat studying Earth's infrared radiation

**Wikidata**: [Q126371370](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q126371370)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/prefire-2

## Summary
PREFIRE 2 is a NASA CubeSat designed to study Earth's infrared radiation, specifically measuring thermal energy emitted from the planet. Launched in 2024, it is part of the PREFIRE mission and follows its predecessor, PREFIRE 1. The satellite carries an infrared spectrometer to gather data on heat loss from Earth's polar regions.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Technology demonstration spacecraft, CubeSat, Earth observation satellite
- **Mass**: 3 kilograms
- **Launch Date**: June 5, 2024, at 03:15 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Electron (Rocket Lab)
- **Launch Site**: Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1B
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit
- **Operator**: Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
- **Manufacturer**: Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Space Science and Engineering Center
- **Scientific Instrument**: Thermal Infrared Spectrometer (infrared spectrometer)
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Predecessor**: PREFIRE 1
- **Part of**: PREFIRE mission

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of PREFIRE 2?
A: PREFIRE 2 is designed to measure Earth's infrared radiation, specifically thermal energy emitted from the planet, particularly in polar regions. It helps scientists understand heat loss from Earth's atmosphere.

### Q: How does PREFIRE 2 differ from PREFIRE 1?
A: PREFIRE 2 follows PREFIRE 1, which was launched earlier. Both satellites are part of the same mission to study Earth's infrared radiation, with PREFIRE 2 continuing the data collection started by its predecessor.

### Q: What type of orbit does PREFIRE 2 use?
A: PREFIRE 2 operates in a sun-synchronous orbit, which allows it to observe Earth's polar regions consistently over time.

### Q: Who operates PREFIRE 2?
A: The satellite is operated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a NASA facility.

### Q: What scientific instrument does PREFIRE 2 carry?
A: PREFIRE 2 carries a Thermal Infrared Spectrometer, which measures infrared radiation emitted by Earth.

## Why It Matters
PREFIRE 2 is part of NASA's PREFIRE mission, which aims to improve climate models by studying Earth's energy balance. By measuring thermal infrared radiation, the mission helps scientists understand how heat is lost from Earth's polar regions, which is crucial for predicting climate change. The data collected by PREFIRE 2 will enhance our understanding of atmospheric processes and contribute to more accurate climate predictions. This mission is significant because it addresses a critical gap in climate science by focusing on a key component of Earth's energy budget that has not been well studied.

## Notable For
- **First of its kind**: PREFIRE 2 is one of the first CubeSats dedicated to studying Earth's infrared radiation.
- **Polar focus**: It provides critical data on heat loss from Earth's polar regions, which are poorly understood.
- **Climate impact**: The mission helps improve climate models by filling a gap in our understanding of Earth's energy balance.
- **Technological demonstration**: As a technology demonstration spacecraft, it tests new methods for studying Earth's atmosphere.
- **Collaborative effort**: PREFIRE 2 is a collaboration between NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Space Science and Engineering Center.

## Body
### Mission Overview
PREFIRE 2 is a CubeSat designed to study Earth's infrared radiation, specifically thermal energy emitted from the planet. It is part of NASA's PREFIRE mission, which aims to improve climate models by measuring heat loss from Earth's polar regions. The satellite follows its predecessor, PREFIRE 1, which was launched earlier.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 3 kilograms
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit
- **Scientific Instrument**: Thermal Infrared Spectrometer (infrared spectrometer)
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array with two panels

### Launch Details
- **Launch Date**: June 5, 2024, at 03:15 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Electron (Rocket Lab)
- **Launch Site**: Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1B

### Organization and Collaboration
- **Operator**: Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
- **Manufacturer**: Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Space Science and Engineering Center (University of Wisconsin-Madison)
- **Country of Origin**: United States

### Significance
PREFIRE 2 plays a crucial role in climate science by providing data on Earth's energy balance, particularly in polar regions. The mission helps scientists understand how heat is lost from the planet, which is essential for improving climate models and predicting future climate changes.

## Schema Markup
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "PREFIRE 2",
  "description": "NASA CubeSat studying Earth's infrared radiation",
  "additionalType": ["EarthObservationSatellite", "CubeSat", "TechnologyDemonstrationSpacecraft"],
  "manufacturer": {
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  "operator": {
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  "launchDate": "2024-06-05",
  "launchVehicle": "Electron",
  "orbit": "Sun-synchronous orbit",
  "scientificInstrument": "Thermal Infrared Spectrometer",
  "countryOfOrigin": "United States"
}

## 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_2)