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.