Aura is a satellite designed to answer questions about changes in our life-sustaining atmosphere. It obtains measurements of ozone, aerosols and key gases throughout the atmosphere using technologically innovative space instrumentation. It is the third major component of the Earth Observing System following on Terra and Aqua. INTRO
Successfully launched on July 15, 2004 aboard a Delta II 7920-10L, a two stage expendable rocket, from the Vandenberg Western Test Range, this spacecraft is flying in formation with other Earth observing satellites called the A-Train. It orbits 705 km (438 miles) above the Earth with a sixteen-day repeat cycle and 233 revolutions per cycle. As of 2015, there had been 1589 Aura-related journal articles. LAUNCH
Aura's four instruments study the atmosphere's chemistry and dynamics. Aura's measurements will enable us to investigate questions about ozone trends, air quality changes and their linkage to climate change. Aura's measurements will provide accurate data for predictive models and provide useful information for local and national agency decision support systems. INSTRUMENTS
As of 2017, the expected Constellation Exit and Decommissioning date is February 2023. An extended mission could push decommissioning back to February 2025, although it could be extended as far as 2036. Predicted re-entry would be 2044. CONCLUSION
