NASA's Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission has overcome multiple funding obstacles and is now on track for its scheduled launch in 2022. Despite facing attempts by the Trump administration to cancel the mission, Congress intervened and allocated the necessary funds to keep PACE alive.

Initially set at a budget of $805 million, the cost of the mission has increased to $948 million, as reported by Florida Today. The additional funding will ensure that PACE has the necessary resources to carry out its objectives effectively.

The journey to the launch pad has been marked by uncertainty, with the Trump administration proposing to cancel the PACE mission in its budget proposals for fiscal years 2018, 2019, and 2020. However, each time, Congress stepped in and provided the required funds, securing the mission's future.

PACE's mission is aimed at studying Earth's oceans and their ecosystems, focusing on how they interact with aerosols, clouds, and plankton. The satellite will provide valuable data and insights into crucial aspects of our planet's climate system.

The launch of PACE will be a significant event for SpaceX, which is experiencing a busy year. In January alone, the company achieved a record-breaking 10 orbital launches, according to Elon Musk. Furthermore, SpaceX has ambitious plans, envisioning a total of 144 missions in 2024.

With its inevitable launch approaching, PACE will join the league of groundbreaking missions exploring the mysteries of space and our planet. The satellite's findings will contribute to a better understanding of our oceans and the delicate balance of Earth's ecosystems.

As space enthusiasts eagerly await PACE's launch, discussions on the latest missions and celestial wonders continue to thrive on Space.com's forums. Additionally, readers are encouraged to actively contribute news tips, corrections, and comments to the dedicated community email address: community@space.com.

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