Satellite Observations of Pollutants for Societal Needs: Towards a Next Generation Global Observing System

Global, high-resolution, vertical profile measurements of gaseous pollutants (O₃ and NO₂) and aerosols are identified as NASA priorities and targeted for competition through the Earth Explorer funding line by the 2017 Earth Sciences Decadal Survey. These observables are currently available in the form of tropospheric columns, but quantification of their global health and environmental impacts requires a major advance in measurement technology that allows profiling of their concentrations in the near-surface layer (0–2 km). Improvement in spatial resolution is also required in order to map spatial variability at the neighborhood (intra-urban) scale. HiMAP (High-resolution Imaging Multiple-species Atmospheric Profiler) is an innovative instrument concept crafted to be a low cost, new generation Global Observing System that will enable these advanced measurements within a 6U form factor. It is designed as a push broom, passive remote sensing instrument with two independent modules (UV-Vis: 300–500 nm for O₃, NO₂, HCHO, SO₂ and CHOCHO; NIR: 680–780 nm for aerosols with the oxygen absorption bands). We will present results from recent Observation System Simulation Experiments that estimate the measurement performance, ultimately targeting new capabilities for quantifying gaseous pollutants and aerosols in the near-surface layer over the globe. We will also report on the status and plan of technology advancement for HiMAP.