ISRO’s EOS-6 Satellite Enables Precise Air Quality Monitoring

Space News ,India :-  In a groundbreaking development, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) introduces a cutting-edge data product that unravels the intricacies of air quality dynamics across the vast expanse of the Indian subcontinent. Powered by the SAC Aerosol Retrieval (SAER) algorithm, an innovative tool utilizing EOS-6 satellite data, this product is set to transform the landscape of air quality research and analysis.

Accessible to researchers and students through MOSDAC after formal registration, this data repository beckons individuals to explore air quality intricacies in unprecedented detail. Positioned as a benchmarking air quality simulation model, it offers valuable insights for scholars and policymakers, paving the way for a cleaner and healthier future, as highlighted by ISRO.

At the core of this advancement is the 1 km spatial resolution of the OCM-3 onboard EOS-6, a satellite launched in November 2022. Equipped with a state-of-the-art OCM sensor, this satellite signifies a significant leap in the ability to monitor atmospheric aerosols.

The OCM-3 AOD product data delivers unparalleled insights into aerosol concentrations across the Indian landmass, delving deep into the intricacies of particulate matter suspended in the atmosphere. This high-resolution data reveals the dynamics of particulate matter (PM2.5/PM10), providing detailed insights into their distribution and transport over metropolitan areas.

Going beyond the borders of the Indian subcontinent, the OCM-3 AOD product emerges as a global resource for monitoring aerosols worldwide. It offers crucial insights into aerosol blankets originating from diverse sources, such as South Asian fires and Canadian wildfires.

ISRO points to recent case studies, showcasing a notable increase in AOD values post-October 13, 2023, particularly over the Indo-Gangetic plain. Persistent high AOD values in Delhi underscore the enduring impact of pollution during and after Deepavali, with a temporary improvement in air quality noted in mid-December followed by another spike in AOD levels during mid-January 2024.

The synergy of AOD and fire products, combined with trajectory modeling, corroborates extensive fire activities, emphasizing the significant role of agricultural residue burning in severe air pollution. This comprehensive data product stands at the forefront of air quality research, offering a vital tool for understanding and addressing environmental challenges on a global scale.