In an announcement, NASA stated that it has selected BAE Systems to develop an instrument for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Geostationary Extended Observations satellite program that would monitor air quality and evaluate the impacts of air contaminants.
Specifics of the NASA-BAE Systems Contract
The creation of a flight instrument is part of the around $365 million deal, with possibilities for more units. Each flight model will have 15 years of service during the estimated performance period, which includes 5 years for on-orbit storage and 10 years for on-orbit operations.
Monitoring Industrial Pollutants
An ultraviolet to visible light spectrum is measured by the hyperspectral spectrometer used in the program’s atmospheric composition apparatus. The gadget will provide hourly information on air pollution from transportation, oil and gas extraction, wildfires, and volcanoes in addition to electricity generating. As a result of these emissions, the device will also keep an eye on secondary contaminants in the atmosphere.
NASA’s Atmospheric Composition Program Benefits
NASA anticipates that the observations and measurements from the Atmospheric Composition sensor will aid scientists in comprehending the relationships among weather, climate, and air quality. The device may also improve air quality predictions and monitoring, as well as lessen the negative effects of pollution on conditions like asthma, neurological illnesses, and cardiovascular disease.
Early in the 2030s is when NASA anticipates that the Geostationary Extended Observations system will be operational. All of the program’s satellites will be managed by the agency and the NOAA.
