Expanding Geostationary Atmospheric Composition Satellite Constellation: Towards Global Coverage

The team is conducting a study and will develop a white paper to outline the benefits of observations from geostationary platforms to provide high spatial and temporal resolution measurements of air quality and greenhouse gas parameters for Africa, the Middle East, South America and Oceania regions. The white paper explores the current state of measurements, technology, data availability, and the feasibility of implementing such observations to improve environmental monitoring and decision-making in un-monitored regions. Additionally, the paper will discuss the potential impact of such observations on policymaking, public health, and climate change mitigation efforts in the four regions.

Some of the parameters sought for high temporal and spatial observation frequency include: O3, NO2, Particulates, CH₄, CO₂ and others discussed in the AC-VC White Papers and currently observed from geostationary platforms by the TEMPO (Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution) and GEMS (Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer) satellites. These observations are vital in closing the gap in air quality data for improving global air quality models and hemispheric pollution transport and understanding the sources and sinks of greenhouse gases for climate change predictions. Additional benefits include environmental monitoring in developing regions, aiding in pollution control efforts, and supporting climate change mitigation strategies through advanced satellite technology. The envisioned observations will provide information to address key changes such as Improvements in Air Quality Model Skills, dHealth, dMortality, and dEconomy.