Libera Earth Energy Instrument (NASA)
Libera will measure how much energy leaves Earth each day, keeping a climate record that began in 2000 going strong (NOAA).
Image: NASA/NOAA DSCOVR EPIC.
Last reviewed: 5 sources cited
Explain Like I'm 10
- Sunlight brings energy to Earth, and Earth sends some back to space.
- Libera will measure how much energy leaves our planet each day.
- If more comes in than goes out, Earth warms, so this helps track climate.
The Five W's of Libera
Who
The University of Colorado Boulder's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) built Libera for NASA. It is NASA's first Earth Venture Continuity mission.
What
An instrument that measures sunlight reflected by Earth and the A kind of light our eyes can't see that we feel as heat. Special cameras use it to see warm objects and gases. Glossary heat Earth gives off, from the top of the atmosphere.
Source: CU Boulder LASP, Libera
When
Libera finished environmental testing in January 2026. It will fly on the JPSS-4 satellite, targeted for launch in 2027.
Where
On JPSS-4, which will be called NOAA-22 in The curved path an object takes as it travels around a planet, moon or star, like a satellite circling Earth. Glossary. It is set to launch on a Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
Source: NASA, JPSS-4 launch contract
Why
The difference between the energy Earth absorbs and the energy it gives off is a key factor in our climate. More in than out means warming.
Source: NOAA NESDIS, Libera
Impact Statement
Agency solution · planned
Libera will continue the global record of Earth's energy budget kept by the CERES instruments since 2000 (NOAA).
Source: NOAA NESDIS, Libera
For Further Information: NASA, Libera completes testing (Jan 30, 2026)
Libera is named for the daughter of Ceres in Roman mythology, a nod to the CERES instruments before it.
How This Saves People & the Planet
For People
The JPSS satellites that will carry Libera support weather and climate forecasts that protect lives and property (NASA).
Source: NASA, JPSS-4 launch contract
For Nature
The energy Libera measures drives the atmosphere and oceans and fuels photosynthesis in plants (LASP).
Source: CU Boulder LASP, Libera
Get Involved With Libera
Want to go deeper? NASA and CU Boulder LASP has the full Libera story.
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This is a public mission, so there is nothing to donate. You can explore its free data or join a citizen science project.