NASA has postponed the launch of the PACE mission by one day due to unfavorable weather conditions. The mission, named Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE), will now launch from Cape Canaveral slightly after midnight on Wednesday, February 6, at 12:03 PM IST.
Originally scheduled for the same time on Tuesday, the launch timing has been adjusted to accommodate the satellite’s orbit around the Earth. The PACE mission will be placed in a Sun-synchronous orbit, ensuring it remains synchronized with the Sun’s position. This orbital configuration allows for consistent lighting conditions during Earth observations, crucial for collecting high-quality data.
Unlike some satellites that transition through temporary orbits before reaching their final destinations, PACE will be directly injected into its permanent orbit. This instantaneous launch process eliminates the need for interim orbits, optimizing the mission’s efficiency.
Launching from the south of Florida during the nighttime, PACE will be strategically positioned over the approaching Indian subcontinent as it crosses the equator for the first time on the daylight side of the Earth.