Orbiting Carbon Observatory

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The Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO) was a NASA satellite mission intended to provide global space-based observations of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). It was lost in a launch failure on February 24, 2009, when the payload fairing of the Taurus rocket which was carrying it failed to separate during ascent. The added mass of the fairing prevented the satellite from reaching orbit. It subsequently re-entered the atmosphere and crashed into the Indian Ocean near Antarctica. Launch occurred at 09:55:30 GMT.

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News tagged with orbiting carbon observatory

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Orbiting Carbon Observatory Set for Feb. 24 Launch

NASA Releases Orbiting Carbon Observatory Accident Summary

Space & Earth / Space Exploration

Jul 17, 2009 | 5 / 5 (1) | 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- A NASA panel that investigated the unsuccessful Feb. 24 launch of the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, has completed its report.

Orbiting Carbon Observatory Set for Feb. 24 Launch

Space & Earth / Space Exploration

Feb 19, 2009 | not rated yet | 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- The Orbital Sciences Taurus XL rocket set to launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory is now fully assembled at Launch Complex 576-E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

NASA Mission to Help Unravel Key Carbon, Climate Mysteries

Space & Earth / Earth Sciences

Jan 29, 2009 | 5 / 5 (2) | 4

(PhysOrg.com) -- NASA's first spacecraft dedicated to studying atmospheric carbon dioxide is in final preparations for a Feb. 23 launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Carbon dioxide is the leading ...

The Orbiting Carbon Observatory and the Mystery of the Missing Sinks

Space & Earth / Earth Sciences

Jan 26, 2009 | 3.2 / 5 (5) | 2

(PhysOrg.com) -- Picture a tree in the forest. The tree "inhales" carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, transforming that greenhouse gas into the building materials and energy it needs to grow its branches and ...

The Human Factor: Understanding the Sources of Rising Carbon Dioxide

Space & Earth / Earth Sciences

Jan 14, 2009 | 2 / 5 (10) | 6

(PhysOrg.com) -- Every time we get into our car, turn the key and drive somewhere, we burn gasoline, a fossil fuel derived from crude oil. The burning of the organic materials in fossil fuels produces energy ...