PREFIRE

NASA’s Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment (PREFIRE) uses two 6U CubeSats to measure thermal energy escaping from Earth, especially the Arctic and Antarctic. Each carries a miniaturized thermal-infrared spectrometer extending into the far infrared, where much polar emission occurs. The satellites launched in May and June 2024 into complementary near-polar orbits, providing repeat observations that help distinguish changes in clouds, surfaces and atmospheric conditions over short times. Calibrated radiances are acquired globally, while derived surface, atmosphere and flux products are currently produced mainly poleward of 60° latitude. These measurements support improved understanding and modeling of polar energy balance.