Read about the new satellite dedicated to air quality monitoring

NewsBharati    13-Oct-2017
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Plesetsk Cosmodrome, October 13: Air pollution is now one of the major issues concerning the entire world. Hence as a preventive measure, a satellite will go into orbit to monitor air quality around the globe. The satellite named Sentinel-5P is a UK-assembled satellite.

Gases like nitrogen dioxide, ozone, formaldehyde, sulfur dioxide, methane, and carbon monoxide leave a significant impression over the air. The polluted air not only affects our health but also causes climate change. The satellite's TROPOMI instrument will build daily global maps of these gases and particles harmful for health. The instrument has been developed by Netherlands' national meteorological agency (KNMI).

"KNMI will use this data to improve air-quality forecasts and to keep a close eye on emission increases or reductions, and to monitor what mitigation measures are effective in protecting the air we breathe," Pepijn Veefkind from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) said.

Data received from the satellite will be used in delivering air quality forecasts, including providing warnings when citizens are likely to encounter problems like smog or high UV (ultraviolet light) levels. The spectra of light that has been reflected from the atmosphere will be measured by Tropomi.

The satellite is scheduled to be launched on 13th October. This is the first European Union satellite to create a global map of air quality every 24 hours. It carries enough fuel to last for a whole decade though is designed for a mission life of about seven years.

Sentinel 5-P Tropomi KNMI Air Pollution