MISSION DESCRIPTION
The Earth'
s energy balance and the effect on climate requires measuring
black carbon soot and other aerosols, and the total solar irradiance.
Glory is a low Earth orbit (LEO) scientific research satellite designed to achieve two
major goals:
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+ Collect data on the properties of aerosols and black carbon in the Earth's atmosphere and climate system.
It will enable a greater understanding of the seasonal variability of aerosol properties.
+ Collect data on solar irradiance for the long-term effects on the Earth climate record. Understanding whether the temperature increase and climate changes are by-products of natural events or whether the changes are caused by man-made sources is of primary importance.
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Glory will accomplish these objectives by utilizing two separate instruments,
the Aerosol Polarimetry Sensor, being developed by Raytheon Santa Barbara Sensing, and the Total Irradiance Monitor, being developed by University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric & Space Physics. The instruments will be reside aboard Orbital Science Corporation's spacecraft bus.
LAUNCH INFORMATION
+ Launch Date: December 2008
+ Launch Site: Vandenberg AFB, California
+ Vehicle: Taurus XL
ORBIT
+ Altitude: 705km
+ Inclination: 98.2 degrees
+ Circular, Sun-synchronous (A-Train)
DESIGN LIFE
+ 3 years; 5 year goal
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SPECIAL FEATURES
 Taking the Earth's Temperature
December 2007 - This short video explores the tools NASA scientists use to take the Earth's temperature.
+ View Video
 NASA Moves Ahead
With Glory Mission
July 2005 [space.com] - NASA intends to finish and fly the Glory climate-monitoring satellite, reversing the decision to cancel the mission.
+ Read More
 Black Carbon
Sept 2002 -
Black carbon particles are causing changes in precipitation and temperatures, contributing to droughts and floods.
+ Read More
RELATED LINKS
+ GISS Glory Science
+ TIM website
+ Universal Space Network
+ Colorado University LASP
+ GSFC Earth Science (DAAC)
+ Orbital Science Corp.
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