Why a Vital NASA Satellite Could Be Deliberately Destroyed

The Trump Administration's Plan to Terminate Key Satellite Missions

The Trump administration has reportedly asked NASA employees to develop plans to end at least two major satellite missions, according to current and former NASA staff. If these plans are executed, one of the missions would be permanently terminated, as its satellite would burn up in the atmosphere. These missions, known as the Orbiting Carbon Observatories (OCO), play a crucial role in monitoring greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

The data collected by these missions is widely used by scientists, oil and gas companies, and farmers who rely on detailed information about carbon dioxide levels and crop health. These are the only two federal satellite missions designed specifically to monitor planet-warming greenhouse gases. Despite the importance of the data, it remains unclear why the Trump administration seeks to end the missions. Scientists involved in the projects note that the equipment in space is state-of-the-art and expected to function for many more years. A 2023 NASA review found that "the data are of exceptionally high quality" and recommended continuing the mission for at least three years.

The Role of the Orbiting Carbon Observatories

Both OCO missions measure carbon dioxide and plant growth around the globe using identical measurement devices. One device is attached to a standalone satellite, while the other is part of the International Space Station. If the standalone satellite mission is terminated, it would eventually burn up in the atmosphere. NASA employees working on these missions are currently preparing Phase F plans, which outline options for terminating missions.

David Crisp, a retired NASA engineer who worked on the missions, says that employees making these termination plans have reached out to him for technical advice. He notes that the questions posed were sharp and suggested that the employees were being directed to create termination plans. Three other scientists who use the data from the missions also confirmed they had been contacted with questions related to potential mission termination. All requested anonymity due to concerns about job security.

Funding Challenges and Congressional Influence

NASA’s proposed budget for FY 2026 includes cuts to these missions, which could lead to their termination if funding is not secured. However, Congress has already funded the missions through the end of the 2025 fiscal year, which ends on September 30. Draft budgets currently under consideration by Congress keep NASA funding largely flat, but it is uncertain whether these specific missions will receive continued support.

In response to potential funding cuts, NASA has announced it will consider proposals from private companies and universities to maintain the device attached to the International Space Station. This move raises concerns about the privatization of critical scientific missions. While some see potential benefits in private-sector involvement, others warn that such efforts depend heavily on prior public investment.

Political and Scientific Implications

Congressional Democrats have expressed concern over the administration’s proposed cuts, warning that ending these missions could severely impact climate research and disaster preparedness. Rep. Zoe Lofgren emphasized that Congress holds the power of the purse and criticized the administration for attempting to cut funds that have already been appropriated. The White House Office of Management and Budget denied any involvement in the decision to request termination plans, though officials like Russ Vought have previously advocated for reducing spending on climate-related projects.

The Broader Impact of Satellite Data

Beyond tracking carbon dioxide, the OCO missions have provided valuable insights into global plant growth. By measuring the light emitted during photosynthesis, the satellites generate high-resolution maps of plant activity, which are used by agricultural agencies and companies to forecast crop yields and monitor drought conditions. This data also plays a role in predicting political instability linked to crop failures and migration patterns.

The data from these missions has revolutionized climate science by offering a comprehensive view of global carbon dioxide levels. Unlike ground-based measurements, satellite data covers the entire planet, revealing new insights into how different regions absorb greenhouse gases. As climate change continues to evolve, the value of this data is expected to grow.

Economic Considerations

Ending the OCO missions would be economically inefficient. The total cost to design, build, and launch the two missions was approximately $750 million, with additional costs from a failed rocket launch in 2009. Maintaining the missions in orbit costs only about $15 million per year, covering data downloads, ground calibration, and debris avoidance. From an economic perspective, continuing the missions makes sense given the high value of the data they provide.

The Future of NASA Science

NASA’s recent call for private-sector involvement in maintaining the OCO instrument highlights a growing trend toward privatizing scientific missions. While private companies have made strides in monitoring methane and other gases, experts like Anna Michalak emphasize that these efforts rely on earlier public investments. As the agency explores partnerships with the private sector, questions remain about the long-term sustainability and reliability of such arrangements.