What is Tanager-1, and How Does It Help Combat Climate Change?

Tanager-1, a groundbreaking satellite launched on August 16, 2024, by the Carbon Mapper Coalition, carries a state-of-the-art imaging spectrometer developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). This satellite is designed to track and measure greenhouse gas emissions, specifically methane and carbon dioxide, down to the level of individual facilities and equipment worldwide. By providing precise data on the sources of these emissions, Tanager-1 aims to drive global efforts to mitigate climate change.

How Does the Imaging Spectrometer on Tanager-1 Work?

The imaging spectrometer on Tanager-1 is a result of four decades of development at NASA JPL. This advanced instrument measures hundreds of wavelengths of light reflected by Earth’s surface, identifying the unique spectral “fingerprints” of different compounds in the atmosphere, such as methane and carbon dioxide. By analyzing these infrared fingerprints, scientists can pinpoint and quantify the emissions, providing actionable data that could significantly accelerate global mitigation efforts.

Why Are Methane and Carbon Dioxide Monitoring So Crucial?

Methane and carbon dioxide are the two greenhouse gases that contribute the most to global warming. Methane emissions are largely driven by human activities, including fossil fuel extraction, agriculture, and waste management, while carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are now 50% higher than how they were in 1750 due to the burning of coal, oil, and gas. By accurately identifying and quantifying the sources of these gases, Tanager-1 plays a critical role in enabling targeted and effective climate action.

What Makes Tanager-1’s Mission Unique Compared to Other Satellites?

Tanager-1’s mission stands out because of its ability to scan approximately 50,000 square miles (130,000 square kilometers) of Earth’s surface per day, identifying gas plumes with exceptional precision. The data collected will be publicly available through the Carbon Mapper data portal, ensuring transparency and accessibility. This level of detail and the public-private partnership behind its development make Tanager-1 a pivotal tool in global greenhouse gas monitoring.

How Does the Carbon Mapper Coalition Support Global Climate Goals?

The Carbon Mapper Coalition, which includes partners like Planet Labs PBC, NASA JPL, and various universities and environmental organizations, is dedicated to addressing climate change through innovative technology and collaboration. By combining the expertise of different sectors, the coalition aims to fill critical gaps in global methane and carbon dioxide monitoring systems, empowering decision-makers with the data needed to drive science-based actions to reduce emissions.

What’s Next for the Carbon Mapper Satellite Constellation?

Tanager-1 is just the beginning. The Carbon Mapper Coalition plans to launch additional satellites, expanding the constellation that will provide continuous and precise monitoring of greenhouse gases worldwide. Future launches, including a second Tanager satellite equipped with another JPL-built imaging spectrometer, will further enhance the coalition’s ability to track emissions and support global climate initiatives.

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