Trump Aims to End NASA’s Carbon & Plant Health Satellites
KHUSHI KUMARI
Image Source: GOOGLE IMAGES
Two of NASA’s key satellites—OCO‑2 (free-flying) and OCO‑3 (on ISS)—face termination under Trump’s FY2026 budget, risking the loss of essential climate data
These satellites measure carbon dioxide levels and plant photosynthesis, serving scientists, policymakers, and farmers worldwide
They deliver unmatched accuracy in tracking global CO₂ sources and sinks and crop health—data unmatched by other systems
NASA claims these missions are “beyond their prime,” aligning with the President’s budget priorities. Critics call it shortsighted
Without this data, tracking carbon emissions, forest health, and global photosynthesis becomes significantly weaker
Farmers lose critical insights on plant stress; climate scientists lose real-time carbon maps required for modeling and policy
Experts argue the shutdown contradicts climate science goals and undermines monitoring of emission obligations under agreements like the Paris Accord