Aerial Sensing

Japan to Launch Carbon Measuring Satellite

Reuters is reporting that JAXA (Japan Space Agency) will launch a satellite January 21, 2009 that will be capable of measuring carbon on the earth's surface. The Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) will be able to calculate carbon dioxide and methane at 56,000 locations on the planet. At the present time only 282 locations around the globe are measured continuously.

The promise of this satellite is clearly evident. It should support increased in understanding about carbon exchange at the earth's surface in addition to providing raw data suitable for more highly detailed spatial modeling.

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