Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO)

The Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO) is a NASA Earth System Science Pathfinder Project (ESSP) mission designed to make precise, time-dependent global measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) from an Earth orbiting satellite. It is scheduled for launch in 2008.

Using a space-based platform, OCO will collect a far greater number of high resolution measurements which in turn will provide the distribution of CO₂ over the entire globe. These measurements will be combined with data from the ground-based network to provide scientists with the information that they will need to better understand the processes that regulate atmospheric CO₂ and its role in the carbon cycle. This enhanced understanding is essential to improve predictions of future atmospheric CO₂ increases and their impact on the climate. This information could help policy makers and business leaders make better decisions to ensure climate stability and, at the same time, retain our quality of life.

Links

• OCO Project Website