News & Outreach – CLARREO Pathfinder

Current Status

CPF TVAC Testing and Integration on ExPA Complete!

The payload-level thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing has been successfully completed, marking a significant milestone for the CLARREO Pathfinder (CPF) project. Successful TVAC testing gives the CPF team confidence that the payload can operate in space environment conditions while on the International Space Station (ISS). After removal from the TVAC chamber, the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) team in Boulder, CO completed integration of the CPF payload, including the Langley-built Power Converter Unit (PCU) and all flight harnessing, with the ExPRESS Payload Adapter (ExPA). The ExPA is the interface mechanism used to attach the CPF payload to the ISS. Following integration, a variety of payload performance tests will be conducted in preparation for payload storage. Photo credit: LASP

CPF testing and integration on ExPA complete Sept 2024

Team Updates

Members of the CPF team accept Group Achievement Awards for the Power Converter Team and the HySICS Characterization and Test Team, as well as an Exceptional Achievement Medal (Dr. Yolanda Shea) and an Outstanding Leadership Medal (Gary Fleming). Congratulations, Team! Photo Credit: NASA LaRC
CPF Lead Systems Engineer Brian Boland receives a 35-year Service Award in recognition and appreciation of his service to NASA and to the government of the United States of America. Thank you and congratulations, Brian! Photo credit: NASA LaRC
NASA presented its prestigious Group Achievement Award to the CLARREO Pathfinder (CPF) HySICS Characterization and Test Team in a ceremony held at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder on Sept. 17. The award recognized the team’s groundbreaking efforts in developing and testing the Hyperspectral Imager for Climate Science (HySICS) an instrument that will provide highly accurate measurements of reflected solar radiation, which is critical to understanding Earth’s changing climate. Photo credit: LASP


CPF in the News

CLARREO Pathfinder team wins prestigious NASA Group Achievement Award | September 24, 2024
New space instrument to peer at light reflecting from Earth, achieve record accuracy | November 29, 2022
NASA Administrator, Local NSBE Jr. Chapter Marvel at Langley During Tour | February 25, 2022
CLARREO Pathfinder Team Celebrates Completion of Milestone | November 2, 2021
CLARREO Pathfinder Power Converter Unit Completed | September 1, 2021
How Scientists Are Using the International Space Station to Study Earth's Climate | April 20, 2021
NASA doing 'preparatory work' for climate push, acting chief says | February 19, 2021
3D Model Will Aid in Development of Climate Instrument | NASA.gov | February 2, 2021
Earth science missions are still challenged 50 years after 1st Earth Day | Space.com | April 22, 2020
Congresswoman Elaine Luria Secures Funding for Important NASA Priorities in House-Passed Bill | Luria Press Release | June 25, 2019
Balancing Earth’s energy checkbook | Boulder Weekly | May 30, 2019
House bill restores funding to Earth science and astrophysics missions | Space News | May 22, 2019
NASA Awards Contract for Climate Pathfinder Mission Instrument | NASA | September 27, 2018
CLARREO Pathfinder Undergoes Successful Mission Concept Review | NASA | September 15, 2016