Crash and Splash for NASA’s CO2 Science Craft

It was a somber day for NASA and countless researchers who had been working for 9 years to send the CO2 observatory into the atmosphere.

A technical problem caused the rocket not to release its heavy outer shell. The extra weight ruined its chances of orbit and sent it crashing back down into the frigid ocean.

This innovative craft would have allowed researchers a chance to better understand how our climate works.

“Data from the satellite would have helped researchers better understand distribution of the greenhouse gas, possibly improving climate models,” National Geographic reported.

The cost and time put into this climate craft means major set backs for space CO2 emission measurements.