PREFIRE 2

PREFIRE 2

Electron MAY 25 2024 03:41PM
The PREFIRE (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment) mission will send two CubeSats into space to study how much heat the planet absorbs and emits from its polar regions, including the Arctic and Antarctica.
Last updated: Jul 18, 2024

Launch Information

Launch Information

Launch Vehicle Details

Mission NamePREFIRE 2
Launch SiteMahia Peninsula, New Zealand
Launch VehicleElectron
AgencyRocket Lab
Launch DateMAY 25 2024

Two CubeSats will be launched into space as part of the PREFIRE (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment) project to investigate the amount of heat that the planet releases and absorbs from its polar regions, which include the Arctic and Antarctica. Sea ice loss, ice sheet melting, and sea level rise can be better predicted as a result of global warming thanks to the analysis of PREFIRE observations in climate and ice models. In the end, developing climate models can aid in producing more precise forecasts regarding the effects of storm intensity and frequency, coastal erosion, and flooding.

Launch Vehicle - Electron

Payload To LEOOriginal: 225 Kg (496 lb) Updated: 300 Kg (660 lb)
Payload To SSOOriginal: 150 Kg (330 lb) Updated: 200 Kg (440 lb)
PropellantRP-1/LOX
Payload Capacity150–225 Kg (331–496 lb)
Height18 m (59 ft)
Diameter1.2 m (3 ft 11 in)
Mass12.5 t (28000 lb)
Stages2–3

PREFIRE 2 Launch Video

PREFIRE 2