NASA Ocean Ecosystem Mission Ready to Make Waves

The video discusses the PACE Ocean Color Instrument (OCI), a unique tool designed to measure light intensity across various electromagnetic spectrum bands. NASA engineers are currently building and testing this advanced instrument to address critical scientific questions about oceans and the atmosphere. The PACE mission, once launched, will lead Earth science efforts by providing unprecedented ocean observations and monitoring atmospheric aerosols and clouds, thus extending essential data records for future generations.

What is the primary purpose of the PACE Ocean Color Instrument (OCI)?

• To measure light intensity across various electromagnetic spectrum bands

• To monitor marine life

• To measure temperature variations in the ocean

• To track ocean currents

What is the role of the engineering model in the development of OCI?

• To serve as a backup for the flight hardware

• To test the system before constructing the flight hardware

• To be used in educational demonstrations

• To replace the need for actual flight hardware

How will the PACE mission contribute to Earth science?

• By developing new marine species

• By providing first-of-its-kind ocean observations

• By reducing ocean pollution

• By launching satellites to Mars

What additional capabilities will OCI provide besides ocean observations?

• Mapping ocean floors

• Predicting earthquakes

• Tracking global warming

• Monitoring atmospheric aerosols and clouds

What is the significance of continuing essential data records in the PACE mission?

• To ensure data is available for future generations

• To reduce the cost of space missions

• To create a database of marine species

• To develop new ocean exploration technologies