Satellite Programs & Technology Low Earth Orbit Space Exploration & Science Missions Sustainability & Climate Initiatives NASA

NASA selects STRIVE and EDGE as Earth System Explorer missions to study atmosphere, ecosystems and ice

NASA selected two principal‑investigator‑led Earth System Explorer missions — STRIVE and EDGE — for development to advance atmospheric science and terrestrial ecosystems/ice observations. The next‑generation satellites aim to improve Earth system understanding and enhance forecasting capabilities for climate and environmental hazards.

Discovered 2026-02-05T13:27:59.830484-08:00 | 2026-02-05T13:27:59.830484-08:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

NASA advanced two PI‑led Earth System Explorer missions — STRIVE (atmosphere) and EDGE (ecosystems/ice) — adding targeted satellite observations that feed climate models and environmental monitoring.
The missions are framed to strengthen forecasting and disaster‑response capabilities and to accelerate operational use of Earth observations ([source:26ebdb54-6139-42a6-9b40-445afa67f5e1]).
Selections arrive as NASA tightens science program execution and manages a crowded 2026 launch manifest, both of which will affect schedule, integration and data delivery timelines ([source:00c0d485-1294-4744-a239-c4d7c67276f6], [source:aa2bdb74-8d3c-4179-a3d7-ef8382b4bd34]).

Reported By

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