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Canada’s Scisat satellite has surpassed expectations and continued to operate for 20 years since its launch. This achievement is significant as it allows for the monitoring of human-driven climate change at a crucial time in history. The Canadian Space Agency has been able to keep the satellite functioning for so long due to several factors.

Firstly, the satellite requires minimal fuel to maintain its orbit. Additionally, the data products from Scisat have been continuously improved to track a wider range of gases and chemical species, even with aging instruments. Furthermore, regular updates and a well-maintained satellite have driven demand for Scisat’s data, ensuring continued funding.

The success of Scisat can also be attributed to the dedicated staff who operate and maintain the satellite. Similar to a car, the satellite receives software updates and hardware adjustments to keep it functioning optimally.

Scisat was developed and built for million CAD in 2003. It was launched for free by NASA on the Pegasus rocket as part of Canada’s contributions to the space shuttle program and the International Space Station.

The satellite, which is about the size of a queen-sized bed, uses scientific instruments to study Earth’s atmosphere. It has identified pollutants not previously seen from space, such as the refrigerant gas HCFC-142b. Scisat also tracks atmospheric pollutants, including those from forest fires.

The data from Scisat has proven valuable in studying climate change and its effects. For example, it has provided insights into the impact of wildfires on the ozone layer. Scisat’s instruments can also map pollutants by altitude and analyze chemical elements in the air.

Despite reaching the milestone of 20 years in orbit, the future of Scisat is uncertain. However, Canada is in the early stages of developing WildFireSat, a satellite optimized for tracking active fires and alerting first responders.

The continued success of Scisat highlights the importance of replacing and enhancing aging satellites to ensure a diverse range of observations in space.

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