Thu, Feb 26, 2009
Scientists Say Efforts To Study Greenhouse Gases Waning
The failure of NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory to reach orbit
is more than an isolated disappointment to the agency and climate
researchers. The Washington Post reports it's a real setback for
what is hoped will one day be a network for monitoring earth's
atmosphere.
As ANN reported, the $280 million OCO impacted
in the ocean near Antarctica, after the fairing protecting the
satellite atop the Taurus XL launch booster failed to jettison.
Environmental scientists hoped mission would determine what becomes
of carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels, who much is absorbed
by natural "sinks" in the ocean and forests, and how much lingers
to aggravate the greenhouse effect of the atmosphere.
Scientists complain that in 2007, we spent more money
investigating other planets than we did investigating our own. Neal
Lane, science adviser to the Clinton's administration, says the
failure of the OCO is a real setback. "The program was weak and now
it's really weak," he said.
There are more climate study missions on NASA's agenda, and the
Obama administration seems game to fund them. Some scientists are
pushing for a replacement of the OCO, while others say the research
should wait for a second-generation of the observatory, already on
the drawing board.
A decision is expected within weeks. On Wednesday, NASA named
Rick Obenschain, deputy director at the Goddard Space Flight Center
in Greenbelt, MD, to lead the investigation board for the
unsuccessful launch. The Mishap Investigation Board will have four
other members, who will be named as they become available.
The board will gather information, analyze the facts, and
identify the failure's cause or causes and contributing factors.
The Mishap Investigation Board will make recommendations for
actions to prevent a similar incident.
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