NASA’s hyperspectral PACE mission: New potential for monitoring biodiversity from space

Launched in February 2024 and serving data to the public as of April 2024, the NASA Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) satellite provides a novel set of daily, hyperspectral and polarimetric Earth observation (EO) capabilities that are unmatched by any other satellite platform, public or private. PACE's primary sensor, the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI), is a hyperspectral (5 nm resolution) imaging spectrometer that measures properties of light from the ultraviolet (UV, 340 nm) through visible and near infrared (NIR, 895 nm) portions of the electromagnetic spectrum in 1.25 to 2.5 nm steps, plus 7 shortwave infrared (SWIR) bands. Observations from OCI are moderate spatial resolution (1.2 kmx 1.2 km), enabling a relatively frequent revisit time of 1-2 days. OCI is complemented by two cubesat-sized polarimeters, the hyperspectral Spectrometer for Planetary Exploration (SPEXone) and the Hyper-Angular Rainbow Polarimeter (HARP2). PACE is comprehensive Earth System mission, benefiting society by expanding our foundational knowledge of Earth and enabling novel, space-based science and applications tools.

Continuous, synoptic imaging spectroscopy of Earth from PACE provides an opportunity for next-generation biodiversity assessment and environmental monitoring applications tools. For example, photosynthetic phytoplankton (microscopic algae) and terrestrial plants package the Sun’s energy for higher trophic levels, ultimately fueling most aquatic and terrestrial life on Earth. With PACE we can utilize hyperspectral-enabled metrics of their diversity, growth, and photophysiology to monitor how algal and plant type, distribution, and health varies over time. PACE can additionally support applications areas relevant to changes in biodiversity and anthropogenic impacts such as water and land resource management, climate-biodiversity connections, air quality and public health, and more.  In this presentation we will provide an overview of the PACE mission and provide real-world examples of PACE data in action. Translation of PACE’s novel observations to actionable, trusted new tools is a long term, continually developing process and supported by our PACE Applications Program. We will provide resources on how you can be involved in PACE Applications activities through our PACE Community of Practice, Early Adopters Program, and information-sharing and co-production workshops and focus sessions that we plan throughout the year.