Advanced Greenhouse Gas Observation Satellite Launched.

Science and Technology

The Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite 2 (GOSAT-2), also known as “IBUKI-2,” was launched in October 2018 as a successor to GOSAT, the first satellite dedicated to greenhouse gas observations. GOSAT-2, developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in collaboration with the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) and the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) of Japan, features advanced sensors and improved performance for more accurate and comprehensive data collection. The main sensor, Thermal And Near infrared Sensor for carbon Observation-Fourier Transform Spectrometer-2 (TANSO-FTS-2), offers enhanced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in both the Short Wavelength InfraRed (SWIR) and Thermal InfraRed (TIR) bands. This improvement allows for better data quality and increased accuracy in greenhouse gas concentration analysis, particularly in high-latitude regions during winter. GOSAT-2 introduced an intelligent pointing mechanism to avoid cloud-covered areas, increasing the amount of usable observation data. Additionally, a new spectral band for carbon monoxide (CO) observations has been added, aiding in the evaluation of urban and biomass burning effects. The Cloud and Aerosol Imager-2 (TANSO-CAI-2) on GOSAT-2 also features forward and backward observation directions to avoid sun glint areas, improving cloud detection accuracy.


      GOSAT-2 launched in October 2018 as a successor to GOSAT.

      New spectral band added for carbon monoxide (CO) observations.

      Developed by JAXA, NIES, and MOE of Japan.

Main Point :-   Enhanced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in SWIR and TIR bands.

      Intelligent pointing mechanism to avoid cloud-covered areas.


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