The advanced imaging spectrometer developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for monitoring greenhouse gas emissions has been received by Planet Labs PBC. Scheduled for a 2024 launch, this instrument will bolster the global tracking efforts of the Carbon Mapper initiative. Credit: Carbon Mapper
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Progress Towards Launch of Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Instrument
This cutting-edge instrument will assist Carbon Mapper, a nonprofit organization, in precisely identifying and quantifying the sources of methane and carbon dioxide emissions from a space-based vantage point.
The imaging spectrometer has been delivered to a sterile environment at Planet Labs PBC’s facility in San Francisco, inching closer to its upcoming launch. Designed by NASA’s JPL located in Southern California, this scientific apparatus will contribute to Carbon Mapper’s efforts to collect granular data on point-source emissions of greenhouse gases. Incorporating technologies originally developed for NASA’s aerial and space expeditions, the spectrometer will focus on “super-emitters”—individual sources that are disproportionately responsible for large volumes of global methane and carbon dioxide emissions.
The spectrometer will be housed in a Tanager satellite and is currently undergoing integration at Planet Labs PBC in San Francisco. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Carbon Mapper Coalition and Instrument Capabilities
The Carbon Mapper collaboration is a synergistic venture involving public and private stakeholders such as Carbon Mapper, JPL, Planet Labs, the California Air Resources Board, Rocky Mountain Institute, Arizona State University, and the University of Arizona.
The imaging spectrometer is a state-of-the-art instrument that can analyze numerous wavelengths of light reflected from the Earth and absorbed by atmospheric gases. The device can distinguish various compounds, such as methane and carbon dioxide, based on the specific wavelengths of light they absorb, thereby producing unique spectral “fingerprints.” These fingerprints, though invisible to the human eye, allow for the precise identification and quantification of potent greenhouse gas emissions, thereby aiding mitigation strategies.
Instrument Integration and Quality Assurance
On September 12, the spectrometer was received by Planet Labs PBC for integration into a Tanager satellite, a process expected to conclude in the coming months, with a planned launch in early 2024.
Before leaving JPL, the spectrometer underwent exhaustive testing to ensure its ability to endure the challenges of both the launch process and the extreme conditions it will face in outer space. Rigorous vibration tests and thermal vacuum tests were conducted to simulate the conditions it will experience during its mission.
Public and Private Sector Response and Future Plans
Robert Green, the lead scientist for the instrument at JPL, expressed enthusiasm over the quality of the methane spectral signature recorded, anticipating promising results for future space measurements. Jeff Guido, Senior Director of New Missions at Planet Labs, noted that the delivery represents a pivotal moment, as it allows the team to proceed to the final stage of satellite integration.
Broader Context and Project Overview
This satellite initiative is an extension of Carbon Mapper’s larger goal of globally mapping point-source emissions of greenhouse gases. Another instrument already in orbit, NASA’s Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT), contributes to these efforts. A second imaging spectrometer is under development in collaboration between Planet Labs and JPL.
Carbon Mapper is a nonprofit organization committed to providing accurate, timely, and actionable data to facilitate science-based decisions aimed at mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative is supported by a coalition that includes Planet Labs PBC, JPL, the California Air Resources Board, the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and RMI, and is funded by philanthropic organizations such as the High Tide Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and the Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Greenhouse Gas Monitoring
What is the main purpose of the advanced imaging spectrometer developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory?
The primary objective of the advanced imaging spectrometer is to monitor and quantify greenhouse gas emissions, specifically methane and carbon dioxide, from space. The instrument is designed to aid the Carbon Mapper nonprofit organization’s efforts in global emissions tracking.
Who are the key stakeholders involved in this project?
The key stakeholders in this project are NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Planet Labs PBC, and the nonprofit organization Carbon Mapper. Additional collaborators include the California Air Resources Board, Rocky Mountain Institute, Arizona State University, and the University of Arizona.
When is the imaging spectrometer expected to be launched?
The imaging spectrometer is slated for launch in early 2024. It is currently undergoing integration into a Tanager satellite at Planet Labs PBC’s facility in San Francisco.
What kind of data will the imaging spectrometer provide?
The imaging spectrometer will analyze multiple wavelengths of light reflected from the Earth and absorbed by atmospheric gases. It will produce spectral “fingerprints” for various compounds, such as methane and carbon dioxide, allowing for precise identification and quantification of potent greenhouse gas emissions.
How does the imaging spectrometer work?
The instrument measures hundreds of wavelengths of light that are absorbed by gases in the Earth’s atmosphere or reflected off its surface. By examining these wavelengths, it can identify the spectral “fingerprints” of specific compounds, thereby enabling the pinpointing and quantifying of greenhouse gas emissions.
What are “super-emitters,” and why are they a focus for this instrument?
“Super-emitters” are individual sources that disproportionately contribute to large volumes of global methane and carbon dioxide emissions. The imaging spectrometer is particularly designed to collect targeted data on these high-emission sources.
How was the imaging spectrometer tested before its scheduled launch?
Prior to its scheduled launch, the spectrometer underwent a series of exhaustive tests to ensure its capability to withstand the rigors of space travel. This included subjecting the instrument to intense vibrations similar to those it will experience during launch, as well as to the extreme temperatures it will face in outer space.
What organizations are funding this initiative?
The Carbon Mapper project is supported by a range of philanthropic organizations including the High Tide Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and the Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment.
Is this the first instrument of its kind?
No, this new satellite is an extension of broader efforts by Carbon Mapper to monitor point-source emissions of greenhouse gases. Another instrument, NASA’s Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT), is already in orbit and contributing to these global tracking efforts.
What are the potential applications of the data collected by this imaging spectrometer?
The data collected will facilitate timely action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by empowering science-based decision-making. It will provide detailed, precise, and actionable data on point-source emissions of methane and carbon dioxide at a global scale.
More about Greenhouse Gas Monitoring
- NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory
- Planet Labs PBC
- Carbon Mapper Organization
- California Air Resources Board
- Rocky Mountain Institute
- Arizona State University
- University of Arizona
- High Tide Foundation
- Bloomberg Philanthropies
- Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment
9 comments
I love how it’s not just about gathering data but making it precise, timely, and accessible. That’s what you need for real action, not just lip service.
So now we can pinpoint super-emitters. No more hiding for companies polluting our planet. This is fantastic!
i’m really curious how they’ll integrate this into existing monitoring networks. Hope it doesn’t just end up as some expensive space junk.
who’s funding all this? I see some big names there but I wonder if this project is sustainable in the long run.
early 2024 launch, huh? Fingers crossed everything goes smooth, given the stakes are so high for climate change.
This imaging spectrometer looks like it’s from a sci-fi movie. Science is seriously catching up to fiction these days. It’s incredible what we can achieve when great minds work together.
Wow, thats some serious tech right there! imagine monitoring greenhouse gases from space. This could be a game changer for climate action.
the level of detail this thing can capture, down to specific compounds in the atmosphere, is just mind-blowing. Keep it up, NASA!
The collaboration between non-profits and government agencies like NASA is really encouraging. When you’ve got serious players involved, you know it’s gonna be big.