Supporting the PACE Journey to the Stars

Advancing Ocean Health from Space

NASA’s Plankton, Aerosol Cloud Ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission is to advance the assessment of ocean health by measuring the distribution of phytoplankton. Phytoplankton is a tiny plant/algae that sustains marine life. The PACE Observatory is undergoing final verification tests in MSD facilities, preparing to ship to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, for a January 2024 launch!

The entire PACE Observatory was developed in-house at Goddard, along with the primary Ocean Color Instrument (OCI). The remarkable achievement of the entire PACE Observatory, including the primary Ocean Color Instrument (OCI), underscores NASA’s commitment to ingenuity and self-sufficiency. Developed entirely in-house at Goddard, the OCI represents a pinnacle of engineering prowess, designed to capture high-resolution images of Earth’s oceans, revolutionizing our ability to monitor and understand oceanic processes.

Behind this feat of engineering lies the indispensable support of the Mechanical Systems Division (MSD), providing expertise across a spectrum of disciplines. From Materials & Processes to Structural and Dynamics Analysis, from Mechanical Systems to Thermal Control Hardware, MSD’s dedicated professionals ensure every aspect of the PACE mission meets the highest standards of quality and reliability.

MSD’s involvement extends beyond engineering support to encompass fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing, ensuring seamless execution at every stage of the project. As the PACE Observatory prepares for its historic voyage, the collective effort of NASA’s engineers and scientists, under the umbrella of the Mechanical Systems Division, exemplifies the agency’s unwavering commitment to advancing scientific exploration for the betterment of humanity and our planet.