Tanager-1 satellite to track methane emissions
NASA’s launch of the Tanager-1 Satellite to track Methane Emissions
Tanager-1 Satellite Launch
Launch Date and Vehicle: Launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
Developed By: A coalition of companies and organizations, including NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
Mission Purpose: To detect and measure emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄), two major greenhouse gases contributing to global warming.
Technology and Functionality
Imaging Spectrometer Technology: Developed at NASA’s JPL, the imaging spectrometer measures hundreds of wavelengths of light reflected from the Earth’s surface.
Detection Mechanism: Different atmospheric compounds (like methane and carbon dioxide) absorb different wavelengths of light. These unique spectral “fingerprints” help in identifying and quantifying strong greenhouse gas emissions.
Coverage and Capability: Can measure point-source emissions (individual facilities and equipment) globally, covering 130,000 square kilometers of Earth’s surface per day.
Data Availability: The satellite’s plume data, identifying methane and CO₂ emissions, will be publicly accessible online.
Importance of Tracking Methane Emissions
Greenhouse Gas Contribution: Methane is the second-largest contributor to global warming after CO₂, accounting for 30% of global heating since the Industrial Revolution.
Potency: Over a 20-year period, methane is 80 times more potent at warming the planet than carbon dioxide.
Impact on Air Quality: Contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone, a harmful pollutant linked to approximately one million premature deaths annually.
Major Sources: Fossil fuel operations are the primary contributors, responsible for about 40% of all human-caused methane emissions.
Significance for Climate Mitigation
Accelerating Mitigation Efforts: The ability to pinpoint and quantify emissions on a granular level enables more targeted and effective mitigation strategies.
Global Monitoring: Tanager-1 supports global efforts to monitor and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, crucial for meeting international climate targets.
Comparative Context
MethaneSAT: Tanager-1 follows the launch of MethaneSAT in March, another satellite dedicated to tracking methane emissions, highlighting an increasing focus on methane’s role in climate change.
MCQs of the Tanager-1 mission
What is the primary mission of the Tanager-1 satellite?
A) To study the Earth’s magnetic field
B) To detect and measure carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) emissions
C) To monitor sea level rise
D) To track asteroid movements
Answer: B) To detect and measure carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) emissions
Explanation: Tanager-1 is specifically designed to identify and quantify emissions of CO₂ and CH₄, two major greenhouse gases contributing to global warming.
Which technology does the Tanager-1 satellite use to track greenhouse gas emissions?
A) Radar imaging
B) Infrared sensors
C) Imaging spectrometer
D) Lidar technology
Answer: C) Imaging spectrometer
Explanation: The Tanager-1 satellite uses imaging spectrometer technology developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to detect and measure different wavelengths of light reflected by the Earth’s surface, identifying the unique spectral “fingerprints” of greenhouse gases.
How much area can Tanager-1 scan daily to detect greenhouse gas emissions?
A) 50,000 square kilometers
B) 130,000 square kilometers
C) 250,000 square kilometers
D) 500,000 square kilometers
Answer: B) 130,000 square kilometers
Explanation: Tanager-1 is capable of scanning 130,000 square kilometers of Earth’s surface per day to detect methane and carbon dioxide emissions.
What makes methane a significant target for tracking by satellites like Tanager-1?
A) It is a strong greenhouse gas more potent than CO₂ over a short period
B) It is more prevalent than carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
C) It is easier to detect from space than other gases
D) It does not contribute to global warming
Answer: A) It is a strong greenhouse gas more potent than CO₂ over a short period
Explanation: Methane is 80 times more potent at warming the planet than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, making it a significant target for emission reduction efforts.
What is the main source of human-caused methane emissions that Tanager-1 aims to monitor?
A) Deforestation
B) Agricultural activities
C) Fossil fuel operations
D) Volcanic eruptions
Answer: C) Fossil fuel operations
Explanation: Fossil fuel operations account for about 40% of all human-caused methane emissions, making them a primary focus for satellites like Tanager-1.
What kind of data will Tanager-1 provide to the public?
A) Data on Earth’s magnetic field
B) Weather forecasts
C) Gas plume data with unique spectral signatures of methane and carbon dioxide
D) Satellite imagery of cities
Answer: C) Gas plume data with unique spectral signatures of methane and carbon dioxide
Explanation: Tanager-1 will provide publicly accessible data on gas plumes, helping to identify and quantify methane and carbon dioxide emissions from specific sources.
Which organization is primarily involved in the development of Tanager-1?
A) European Space Agency (ESA)
B) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
C) NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
D) Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Answer: C) NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
Explanation: Tanager-1 was developed by a coalition including NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which was instrumental in its imaging spectrometer technology.
Why is it important to track methane emissions in addition to carbon dioxide?
A) Methane has no effect on climate change
B) Methane contributes more to global warming than carbon dioxide per unit over a short period
C) Methane is easier to detect
D) Methane only affects local air quality
Answer: B) Methane contributes more to global warming than carbon dioxide per unit over a short period
Explanation: Methane is a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, significantly contributing to short-term global warming.
What is a potential health impact of methane emissions, as tracked by satellites like Tanager-1?
A) Increased oxygen levels
B) Formation of ground-level ozone leading to respiratory issues
C) Improved air quality
D) Increased rainfall
Answer: B) Formation of ground-level ozone leading to respiratory issues
Explanation: Methane contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone, a pollutant that can cause respiratory problems and is linked to premature deaths.
What recent satellite launch prior to Tanager-1 also focused on methane emissions?
A) Landsat 9
B) MethaneSAT
C) Sentinel-5
D) CryoSat-2
Answer: B) MethaneSAT
Explanation: MethaneSAT, launched in March, is another satellite dedicated to tracking methane emissions, highlighting the growing focus on methane’s role in climate change.