Ice explorer readies for launch (BBC News)

[Up2Late]

(Maybe this will help quiet the, "We need more proof of Global Warming..." crowd?)

Ice explorer readies for launch

By Helen Briggs
BBC News science reporter, Plesetsk

Europe's Cryosat spacecraft is about to launch on a three-year mission to study the Earth's ice caps.

Monday, 26 September 2005, 17:02 GMT 18:02 UK


Cryosat has the task of filling in the data gaps

The satellite's main objective is to test and quantify the prediction that global warming is causing ice to thin at the poles. Scientists hope the data will give a clearer picture of the impact of rising temperatures on ice and, ultimately, global sea levels.

Climate models suggest that as the Earth gets warmer, the planet's ice cover will shrink. But while there are already some signs this is under way, scientists want conclusive evidence.

Last stages

The satellite is currently in the final stages of preparation at its launch site, the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia.

Blast-off is set for 8 October on a modified intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Under the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (Start) agreed in the early 1990s, Russia is "destroying" some of its ICBMs by using them to place satellites in orbit. On Friday, engineers finished final tests and attached the satellite to the upper part of its rocket, a newly built Breeze module.

<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4282420.stm>
(more at link above)

[Up2Late]

1. kick n/t

:kick:

[Psephos]

2. Awesome - it really fills a need. n/t

[stevedeshazer]

3. It's obviously socialist "junk science" since it's European.

It will require approval by the "sound science" people and the "intelligent design" inspectors.

[daleo]

4. Beating a sword into a plowshare.

It's nice to see that happen for a change.