Arctic Observing Mission (AOM): An update on 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 is currently undergoing a pre-formulation study (PFS), scheduled for completion by the end of 2024 as a step toward a future funding request. A key component of the PFS is a mission design contract to assess payload and orbit options, update some instrument conceptual designs, and develop cost estimates for the entire AOM space system and ground segment.

AOM proposes to deploy the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) to HEO, bringing the capabilities of this National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) instrument to more northerly latitudes to improve forecasting and environmental monitoring in the Arctic. Northern GHG observations by an Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (IFTS) 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 from a dispersive spectrometer 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.

This presentation will provide an overview of AOM’s technical and science aspects and provide updates on progress toward international partnership.