NASA recently conducted evaluations of its Earth science missions for potential extensions, and eight missions were endorsed for extension through fiscal years 2024-2026. These include DSCOVR, GRACE Follow-On, GPM, ICESat-2, OCO-2, SAGE III on ISS, SMAP, and TSIS-1. They are expected to be invited to the 2026 Senior Review for further extension.
In addition to these eight missions, NASA also conducted Out-of-Cycle Senior Reviews for four other ISS missions in late 2022 and 2023. This thorough evaluation process ensures that NASA’s Earth science missions continue to provide valuable data and insights for scientific research and monitoring of our planet.
One mission that was extended beyond its natural end of life is CYGNSS, which has been granted an extension through fiscal year 2025. However, the possibility of continued operations beyond that time is contingent upon the team addressing the findings of the 2023 Senior Review and successfully completing an interim review to assess their progress.
Finally, three other missions – Aqua, Aura, and Terra – were extended to their estimated natural end of life based on the remaining fuel and power in their drifting orbits. These missions have provided invaluable data over the years but will eventually come to an end as they run out of resources.
