Deep Space Climate Observatory
Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) (formerly known as Triana, unofficially known as GoreSat) is a NOAA Earth observation and solar weather satellite scheduled to launch by SpaceX in 2014 on a Falcon 9 v1.1 rocket. It was originally developed as a NASA satellite proposed in 1998 by then-Vice President Al Gore for the purpose of Earth observation. It is intended to be positioned at the Sun-Earth L1 Lagrangian point, at a distance of 1.5 million kilometers from Earth. At this location it will have a continuous view of the sunlit side of the Earth.
In addition to an imaging camera, a radiometer would take the first direct measurements of how much sunlight is reflected and emitted from the whole Earth (albedo). This data could constitute a barometer for the process of global warming. The scientific goals expanded to measure the amount of solar energy reaching Earth, cloud patterns, weather systems, monitor the health of Earth's vegetation, and track the amount of UV light reaching the surface through the ozone layer.
The Bush Administration put the project on hold shortly after George W. Bush's inauguration.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_Space_Climate_Observatory
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