Arctic Observing Mission (AOM): Update on Pre-Formulation Study Progress and Partnerships

The Arctic Observing Mission (AOM) is a satellite mission concept currently under study by the Canadian Space Agency in partnership with Environment and Climate Change Canada. AOM proposes to use two satellites in a Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO) to make quasi-geostationary observations of meteorological variables, greenhouse gases (GHGs), air quality and space weather over northern regions (~45-90°N). These observations are important for operational weather forecasts, environmental monitoring, situational awareness and scientific research aligned with key priorities of the Government of Canada and our prospective US and European partners.

AOM proposes to deploy the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) to HEO, extending the coverage of this National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) instrument to more northerly latitudes to improve Numerical Weather and Environmental Prediction (NWEP) in the Arctic. Northern GHG observations would improve our ability to detect and monitor changes in the Arctic and boreal carbon cycles, including CO₂ and CH₄ emissions from permafrost thaw. Air quality (AQ) observations would enhance our ability to monitor anthropogenic emissions and mid-latitude pollution transport, which will improve air quality forecasts. Space weather observations would support operational space weather forecasting to protect valuable space-based assets and improve our scientific understanding of solar-terrestrial interactions.

AOM is currently undergoing a pre-formulation study (PFS) scheduled to be completed by late 2024 as a step toward a future funding request. A key component of the PFS is a mission design contract, awarded to MDA Systems Ltd. in May 2023, to assess payload and orbit options, update conceptual designs for the dispersive AQ spectrometer and the GHG Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (IFTS), and develop cost estimates for the entire AOM space system and ground segment. A recent study with simulated data explored an “intelligent pointing” strategy, leveraging ABI data for cloud avoidance to improve GHG observing efficiency and revisit. Another study via contract to university partners is investigating the synergy between CO₂ and NO₂ observations from AOM instruments and a new study on IFTS focal plane array options is now underway. This presentation will provide an overview of AOM’s progress on technical and science aspects of the pre-formulation study as well as provides updates on international partnership scenarios and status.