Air quality

Operational validation service required to assure routinely the quality and fitness-for-purpose of the TROPOMI data procured to the Copernicus information services, and to ensure interoperability with other instruments of the Sentinel constellation.

Atmospheric observations from the Copernicus constellation of Sentinel satellites to support air quality policies in Belgium to generate maps of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) at sub-city resolution and to elaborate synergies with regional surface pollution analyses.

The Support to Aviation Control Service provides near real-time information on volcanic ash and SO2, dust from sandstorms, or smoke from wildfires, to the aviation sector.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have tracked closely the evolution of NO2 abundances observed by the TROPOMI sensor. Due to lockdown measures, unprecedented decreases were observed in China, where COVID-19 was first identified.

2-dimensional MAX-DOAS observations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a key air pollutant. New strategy for retrieval.

For the first time, nitrous acid (HONO) from devastating wildfires was detected from space. Impact on air quality and climate.

New tools and atmospheric products that contribute to air quality monitoring (sulphur dioxide, glyoxal, OClO).

Assessing the quality and validity of S-5p/TROPOMI data products relevant to air quality and climate by comparison with reference observations.

Human activities, the dominant source of NOx into the atmosphere, induce a weekly cycle of NO2 abundances over cities. Comprehensive analysis of NO2 observations from two satellite sensors (OMI and TROPOMI).

The camera’s ultimate goal is the monitoring of NO2 emissions produced by industrial sites, as well as ambient levels in the urban environment.

In order to ensure that products delivered by air quality satellite sensors meet user requirements in terms of accuracy, precision, and fitness for purpose, it is essential to develop a robust validation strategy relying on well-established and traceable reference measurements.

TROPOMI is able to measure atmospheric trace gases with a remarkable level of detail, on a daily basis and on a global scale.

On October 13, 2017, ESA launched Sentinel-5 Precursor (S5P), the first mission dedicated to atmospheric composition in the series of Sentinel missions, as part of the European program for Earth Observation, Copernicus.

The atmosphere above Kinshasa is particularly interesting because emissions from the tropical forest mix with urban pollution. BIRA-IASB has initiated a collaboration with the University of Kinshasa.