Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31777: OCO-3: Watching Earth Breathe from the ISS

The Orbiting Carbon Observatory-3 (OCO-3) is a pioneering experiment designed to track carbon dioxide levels in Earth’s atmosphere with unparalleled precision. Developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and led by Dr. Annmarie Eldering, this project was mounted on the International Space Station during multiple expeditions.

OCO-3 is a follow-up to the original OCO-2 satellite, but with a twist: it uses the unique vantage point of the ISS to measure how CO2 concentrations vary by region and time of day. Equipped with a sophisticated spectrometer, it scans the planet's surface and atmosphere, detecting carbon sources and sinks in near real-time.

The experiment helps scientists better understand the carbon cycle—how CO2 moves between the atmosphere, land, and oceans. This knowledge is critical for improving climate models and developing strategies to mitigate climate change.

For students, OCO-3 is a lesson in environmental science, technology, and global collaboration. It demonstrates how space-based sensors contribute to Earth conservation and how atmospheric chemistry affects weather, ecosystems, and human health.

By observing the 'breathing' of Earth from space, OCO-3 not only enhances scientific understanding but also reminds us of our planet’s fragility and the importance of sustainability.

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