Why NASA has launched a satellite to track methane emissions

Why NASA has launched a satellite to track methane emissions?

Last week, a notable advancement in environmental monitoring took place with the launch of Tanager-1, a satellite designed to track greenhouse gas emissions. Developed through a collaboration that includes NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), this satellite was sent into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The mission is to monitor key greenhouse gases—specifically carbon dioxide and methane—across the globe.

Tracking Emissions with Precision

Tanager-1 is equipped with imaging spectrometer technology, a sophisticated tool developed at JPL. This technology measures various wavelengths of light reflected from Earth's surface. Different gases absorb specific wavelengths, creating unique spectral “fingerprints” that Tanager-1 can detect. By identifying these signatures, researchers can locate and quantify significant greenhouse gas emissions, which is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies.

The satellite’s capabilities extend to pinpointing emissions from individual facilities and equipment, scanning 130,000 square kilometers of the Earth's surface each day. Data from Tanager-1 will be publicly accessible, enabling global monitoring and facilitating more targeted environmental policies.

Why Focus on Methane?

Methane, a potent but invisible greenhouse gas, significantly contributes to global warming—second only to carbon dioxide. It is responsible for about 30% of the planet’s heating since the Industrial Revolution. Over a 20-year period, methane is estimated to be 80 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide. Furthermore, methane contributes to ground-level ozone formation, a harmful gas that affects respiratory health and contributes to approximately one million premature deaths annually.

The majority of methane emissions stem from fossil fuel operations, which account for around 40% of human-caused methane emissions. Thus, tracking and reducing methane emissions is crucial for addressing climate change and improving public health.

With Tanager-1, scientists hope to gain clearer insights into methane emissions and their sources, aiding in more effective climate action. This satellite represents a significant step forward in the global effort to combat climate change and protect environmental and human health.

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