Scientists won’t be able to observe changes in the South and North Pole ice for 2-5 years

Scientists have been keeping an eye on the polar ice caps of the south and north poles for several years as any change in this part of the world could impact the entire earth. But now they have said there will be a gap of several years in their ability to measure ice thickness, as the two polar observation satellites are about to die before sending replacements.

This could leave scientists completely unaware of the changes that occur in both poles as the climate warms. The researchers raised their concerns about the situation to the European Commission (EC) and the European Space Agency (ESA).

A letter to ESA and the EC

A letter was sent this week that included the problems and possible solutions to EC and ESA officials. Although NASA is not present as the recipient of the letter, the US space agency has been informed of the longevity issues of the European CryoSat-2 (launched in April 2010) and the American ICESat-2 (launched in September 2018). ) missions.

Both satellites carry instruments, known as altimeters, which measure the shape and elevation of the ice surface in the Arctic and Antarctica. Satellites 88 degrees north and south of the equator, which means they can see entire Antarctic and Arctic regions, exclude a small circle about 430 kilometers in diameter at the poles themselves.

This is what makes both satellites unique, as most other satellites usually do not exceed 83 degrees. Scientists are concerned that both satellites will have to be deactivated long before any follow-ups are launched and, as a result, scientists would not be able to access any data on the poles.

In the letter, the scientists noted: “Without successful mitigation, there will be a 2 to 5 year gap in our polar satellite altimetry capability. This gap will usher in a decisive break in long-term ice sheet and ice sheet records. sea ​​thickness change and polar oceanography and this, in turn, will degrade our ability to assess and improve projections of climate models. “

The EC launched the CRISTAL polar altimeter as a high priority mission together with ESA. But according to the letter, the first launch date for this mission is in the last quarter of 2027. It may also delay full funding to make this timeline a reality that’s not yet available.

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What about NASA?

Nearly 600 scientists signed the letter, and just over 10 percent are American scientists. Signatories to the letter sent to the EC and ESA include the scientists who used the data collected by CryoSat and ICESat, as well as the president of the International Glaciology Society and lead authors of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, the chief of science at NASA, did not receive the letter but is aware of it. He said he hopes any polar divide can be resolved or minimized. “I think there are more options right now that we can field to that end, in partnership or otherwise,” he added.

To ensure the continuity of the polar altimetry, it is urgent to consider mitigation measures. According to the letter, “Possible solutions include extending the lifespan of CryoSat-2 or ICESat-2, maneuvering an alternate satellite into a high-tilt orbit, accelerating the launch of CRISTAL, and starting a systematic aerial measurement program as link capacity. “

Scientists believe the cost of developing the airborne radar altimeter could be realized for around $ 5,982,000, but its design and further process will likely take two years.