A satellite designed specifically to monitor Carbon Dioxide levels in the atmosphere has mysteriously failed to launch correctly. The launch of the unit, which would have allowed pinpoint readings of the US adherence to emissions targets, was undertaken by NASA at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
During the launch there was an unexpected problem and the US built rocket failed to reach orbit. The American launch crew said the satellite, known as OCO, had to be ditched into the sea off the coast of America. It comes at a time when the US, having failed to ratify the Kyoto Protocol is seen by the rest of the world to be dithering in its commitment to controlling climate change.
Attention now turns to the NASA Glory satellite, another US satellite designed to measure atmospheric pollutants, and its launch which is scheduled from California in June. Surely nothing could go wrong there?
