NASA has recently announced the endorsement of the extension of eight missions for fiscal years 2024-2026. These missions include DSCOVR, GRACE Follow-On, GPM, ICESat-2, OCO-2, SAGE III on ISS, SMAP, and TSIS-1. It is expected that these missions will be invited to participate in the 2026 Senior Review for further extension. Additionally, CYGNSS has been granted an extension through fiscal year 2025 with continued operations beyond that year contingent upon the team addressing the findings of the 2023 Senior Review.
Meanwhile, Aqua and Aura have been extended to their estimated natural end of life based on their remaining fuel/power in their drifting orbits. Out-of-Cycle Senior Reviews for four other ISS missions (ECOSTRESS, EMIT, GEDI, and OCO-3) took place in late 2022 and early 2023. These reviews are crucial for assessing the progress of the missions and determining whether further extension or modifications are needed for continued operations.
NASA’s endorsement of these mission extensions highlights its commitment to continuing scientific research and exploration in space. By extending these missions’ lifetimes, NASA is able to gather valuable data and insights that can help us better understand our universe and improve our lives on Earth.
Overall, these mission extensions demonstrate NASA’s dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space exploration. As we continue to push forward into new frontiers, it is clear that NASA will remain at the forefront of this exciting journey.
