The Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) is an Earth-observing satellite, originally proposed by former Vice President Al Gore in 1998. Inspired by Apollo 17’s photograph, The Blue Marble—the first image to show the fully illuminated face of our planet—Vice President Gore challenged NASA to create a satellite that would allow anyone to view Earth and its changing face through a continuous real-time image via the Internet.

After years of delay, DSCOVR was finally launched from Cape Canaveral onboard a Space X Falcon 9 rocket on February 11, 2015. The mission is a partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Organization (NOAA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the United States Air Force.

DSCOVR is located at the LaGrangian Point 1, or “L1,” a unique point in space—more than 1 million miles from Earth—where the gravity of the Earth and Sun are balanced. From L1, DSCOVR co-orbits the Earth and conducts its scientific missions, which include the first ever measurement of the energy budget for planet Earth.

Earth Observation

DSCOVR uses the Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) to capture a continuous stream of images of the sunlit face of our planet—similar to the iconic Blue Marble. These images will be made available to citizens around the world so they, too, can observe the ever-changing face of our planet. In addition to producing full, up-to-date and compelling views of our planet, the images taken by EPIC will provide scientists with valuable atmospheric data on the ozone, plant cover, aerosols and clouds.

DSCOVR also provides, for the first time, an accurate measurement of the Earth’s energy budget. The energy budget — the amount of energy that enters and exits the Earth’s atmosphere each day— is a clear calculation of our effect on the Earth’s climate. Prior to DSCOVR, scientists were unable to precisely compute the total amount of energy that escapes into the atmosphere each day. From its position at L1, DSCOVR uses the National Institute of Standards and Technology Advanced Radiometer (NISTAR) to produce a consistent and accurate measurement of all outgoing energy from Earth. In turn, this number allows scientists to calculate the total effect of heat-trapping gases on our planet’s climate, and gives our civilization an unparalleled view and perspective on the reality of the climate crisis and our changing planet.

Solar Storms

From its vantage at L1, DSCOVR also provides an important early warning system for protection against solar storms. Solar storms can cripple electronic infrastructure, as well as transportation and communication systems. A recent study suggested that a solar storm today could cost the US economy more than $2 trillion during the first year alone. DSCOVR’s instruments will give leaders on Earth critical time to prepare for incoming solar storms.