How long will the CERES satellites stay in orbit and record information?
As long as the satellites keep functioning properly. The life expectancy of the satellite is six years and its instruments range from 3-5 years life expectancy (CERES is expected to function for 5 years). Satellites and instruments often exceed their expected lifetime, although some fail early. TRMM was launched in 1997 and is still going strong (except for the CERES instrument). Terra has been functioning well since 1999.
