Where Does NASA Fit?
The last few years have set the stage for a revolution in ocean science. With the launch of the SWOT and PACE satellites, we can now see and study the planet’s entire ocean surface at a level of detail that we couldn’t before. Meanwhile, other long-lived NASA satellites measure sea surface temperatures, polar ice, and ocean height, key components to understanding our dynamic planet. Our global view complements and adds context to the regional views that oceanographers get from ships, buoys, and other instruments.
Sea Stories
Why is NASA Tracking Seaweed from Space?
In the open ocean, Sargassum is essential habitat, but can cause a whole host of issues when it washes up on Caribbean coastlines. So where is this seaweed coming from? And how is NASA tracking it?
NASA Analysis Shows Irreversible Sea Level Rise for Pacific Islands
After a brutally hot summer in 2023 that caused widespread bleaching and coral death, summer 2024 was more favorable for the state’s vulnerable reefs.
NASA Mission: PACE
NASA's PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) mission provides global data on microscopic life in the ocean and particles in the air, advancing our understanding of fisheries health, harmful algal blooms, air pollution, wildfire smoke and more.
Video: An Ocean in Bloom
By identifying and examining harmful algal blooms around the world, PACE will inform communities ranging from local fishermen to large corporations on what is occurring in their backyard and beyond.
NASA’s PACE Data on Ocean, Atmosphere, Climate Now Available
Ocean Color Countdown
Learn about those of the NASA corps who make “space sailing” their career profession.
NASA Mission: SWOT
The SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean Topography) mission measures the height of water in Earth’s ocean, lakes, reservoirs, and rivers, providing information about freshwater resources, storm surges, and ocean currents to communities around the world.
How NASA Helps
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Rising Waters: How NASA is Monitoring Sea Level Rise
From space, planes, and ships, NASA is observing the ocean while studying the causes and effects of our rising waters.
Ocean News
Show Me the Data
Current Research
Active Missions and Campaigns
Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich
Designed to measure the height of the ocean - a key component to understanding how Earth's climate is changing - the mission consists of two identical satellites that will be launched five years apart. Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich launched in 2020 and Sentinel-6B is slated to launch in 2025.
GRACE-FO
GRACE Follow-On (GRACE-FO) is continuing GRACE’s legacy of tracking Earth’s water movement across the planet. Monitoring changes in ice sheets and glaciers, underground water storage, the amount of water in large lakes and rivers, and changes in sea level provides a unique view of Earth’s climate and has far-reaching benefits for its people.
