The ABB supplied optical sensor can map methane emissions from space at a resolution that is 100 times higher than prior sensors. Whilst previously only larger regions could be surveyed, for the first time the new greater granularity now allows the identification of the source of emissions. An additional nine units are currently under manufacture at ABB to be launched by the end of 2022 ready to be on-board across the first private satellite constellation dedicated to emission measurement.
Space offers the ideal location to freely monitor emissions across jurisdictions and quantitatively report on improvements. The ABB sensors will provide valuable insights which will enable governments and industries around the world to meet their emission reduction targets and reduce the negative impact on global warming.
“We selected ABB for its ability to deliver world-class instruments while meeting the challenges of a new space company like ours. “said Stephane Germain, CEO of GHGSat. “We strive to innovate for the needs of the future, and we’re excited to work with ABB to achieve that.”
“ABB shares GHGSat’s goal of reducing emissions through the creation of their greenhouse gas sensing constellation,” said Marc Corriveau, general manager ABB Measurement & Analytics Canada. “Our selection as the manufacturer for these advanced sensors demonstrates our competitiveness and strong fit with the private space sector requirements.
“The space revolution is well underway and ABB with its heritage of unique space instruments and serial production of advanced measurement sensors for industrial applications is extremely well positioned to serve this emerging sector.”
GHGSat announced the constellation contract award with ABB in October 2020, with first deliveries in 2021. The unit launched by SpaceX was a single unit procured by GHGSat from ABB two years ago ahead of a selection for the constellation.
With its involvement in the Canadian SCISAT mission and the Japanese GOSAT series of satellites, ABB has been at the forefront of the field of greenhouse gas sensing from space for more than two decades. ABB optical equipment already in space cumulates more than 100 years of reliable operation.
The SCISAT sensor tracks long-term subtle composition changes in the earth’s atmosphere down to parts per trillion of more than 70 molecules and pollutants since 2003. Weather agencies across the world base their predictions on ABB equipment flying onboard the US National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather satellites (NPP and JPSS), which saves lives by improving the timeliness and accuracy of weather forecasts for up to seven days.
Read more...From the editor's desk: A good servant and a bad master Technews Publishing
News & events
In our new AI-generated world it was inevitable that the Nobel Committee would have noticed. Now two pioneers of artificial intelligence, John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton, have won the Nobel Prize ...
Read more...Celebrating 65 years: rebuilding and redefining its legacy Axiom Hydraulics
Editor's Choice News & events
Founded in 1959 by Neill Simpson, Axiom Hydraulics has grown into one of South Africa’s elite hydraulic companies. Over the past six and a half decades they’ve weathered many challenges, but none as devastating as the fire of 2023.
Read more...Eskom Expo International Science Fair honours top young scientists
News & events
Excitement filled the air as the 44th Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF) opened its doors, welcoming young scientists with an electrifying line-up of activities, including robotics and coding workshops, and riveting science shows.
Read more...Young robotics team takes world title igus
News & events
In an inspiring demonstration of innovation and teamwork, Texpand, a young South African robotics team, recently made history by winning the 2024 FIRST Tech Challenge World Championships.
Read more...Bosch Rexroth Africa announces retirement of COO, Mike Harrison Bosch Rexroth Africa
News & events
Bosch Rexroth Africa would like to announce the retirement of one of its stalwarts. Group chief operating officer, Mike Harrison will retire at the end of the year. His retirement marks the end of a remarkable career spanning 34 years.
Read more...Selection of two-port valves: an open and shut case SMC Corporation South Africa
News & events
Little consideration is generally given to 2-port valves because they are often perceived as simple devices that only open and close to control downstream fluid supply. Although this is mechanically true, choosing the optimal 2-port valve for your application can make a big difference, saving space, weight and energy consumption.
Read more...MeerKAT radio telescope array
Editor's Choice News & events
Leading consulting engineering and infrastructure advisory practice, Zutari is continuing its involvement with the world-leading MeerKAT radio telescope array, where it has played a leading role since the project first broke ground.
Read more...From the editor's desk: The weakest link Technews Publishing
News & events
Lately I’ve been getting an ever-increasing number of articles on cybersecurity in my inbox. It’s easy to put it on the backburner, but there is no doubt that this is a very serious problem that’s not ...
printer friendly version