Orbiting Carbon Observatory

NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory is a satellite designed to map locations on the Earth where carbon dioxide is being emitted and absorbed.The New York Times: NASA Satellite Fails to Reach Orbit (February 24, 2009) The data sent back by the satellite will be analyzed by scientists who could then use the information to better understand carbon's affect on climate change.OCO Mission

On February 24, 2009, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory launched on NASA's Taurus XL rocket. The mission failed when the satellite failed to separate from the rocket and fell into the ocean near Antarctica.The New York Times: NASA Satellite Fails to Reach Orbit (February 24, 2009)

The satellite was launched on board the Taurus XL rocket at 1:55 a.m PST on February 24, 2009. The $278 million failed when the satellite did not reach orbit and fell into the ocean near Antarctica.The New York Times: NASA Satellite Fails to Reach Orbit (February 24, 2009) The satellite's cover did not fully separate; an investigation board will officially determine the cause of the incident.ABC News: Botched Launch Ends U.S. Satellite's Mission (February 24, 2009)

The intended purpose of the Orbiting Carbon Observatory is to measure carbon dioxide and map the sources, both natural and man-made. The data would then be analyzed by scientists who could then forecast climate change with greater precision.Mail Online: Nasa's 'Global Warming' Satellite Crashes in Antarctic Ocean... (February 24, 2009)