Context:
Recently, NASA and its partners launched the Tanager-1 satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
More on the News:
- This advanced satellite is designed to detect major emitters of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄), two potent greenhouse gases.
- The launch of Tanager-1 follows the MethaneSAT, another satellite which is also dedicated to tracking methane emissions, launched in March.
About Tanager-1 Satellite:
- Development collaboration: It is a hyperspectral satellite jointly developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and other partners.
- Mission Objective: Tanager-1’s primary goal is to identify and quantify strong greenhouse gas emissions on a global scale, potentially accelerating mitigation efforts.
- Coverage: The satellite scans 130,000 square kilometers of Earth’s surface daily, pinpointing emission sources, including individual facilities.
- Data Accessibility: All gas plume data collected by Tanager-1 will be publicly available online, promoting transparency and enabling widespread research.
Technological Features:
- Imaging Spectrometer: Tanager-1 utilizes advanced imaging spectrometer technology developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
- Spectral Analysis: The satellite measures hundreds of wavelengths of light reflected by the Earth’s surface to detect the unique “fingerprints” of methane and carbon dioxide.
- Precision: Tanager-1 can measure emissions down to the level of individual facilities and equipment, offering unprecedented detail in greenhouse gas monitoring.
Significance of Methane Monitoring:
- Climate Impact: Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in warming the planet over a 20-year period.
- According to the Global Methane Tracker 2022 Report, Methane is responsible for about 30% of the increase in global temperatures since the industrial revolution.
- Health Implications: Methane contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone, which may be responsible for up to one million premature deaths annually.
- Mitigation Potential: Accurate tracking of methane emissions can lead to more effective strategies for reducing this potent greenhouse gas, potentially slowing the pace of global warming.
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