The High-Resolution Aerosols and Sulfur Dioxide Experiment, HASE. A Space-Based Probe for Tropospheric Aerosol Chemistry

A proposed mission entitled the high-resolution aerosols and sulfur dioxide experiment, HASE, is described. The primary goal of this mission is to obtain accurate and high-resolution mapping of tropospheric column SO2, NO2, aerosol, and ozone from a low earth orbit. This goal will be achieved by developing and deploying two hyperspectral digital UV cameras flying on the international space station (ISS). One camera will be dedicated to aerosol measurement and the other for ozone and sulfur dioxide measurement. The heritage of these instruments include TOMS, MISR, GOME, and AVHRR. The data gathered by this mission will be taken with unprecedented spatial resolution (<7 km) and the simultaneous column measurements of sulfur dioxide, ozone, and aerosols over continental and coastal regions, temporal sampling, and stereoscopic capabilities will enable quantitative mapping of dense aerosol or pollutant plumes over all continental regions.

The HASE mission is designed to greatly enhance capabilities for determining the effects of urban heat islands and agricultural complexes on regional and on global air quality. The HASE instruments will enable high-resolution tracking of such phenomena as urban pollution plumes, biomass plumes, volcanic eruption plumes, and dust storms. Additional data products of opportunity such as ocean color, chemical effects of lightning, and surface UV flux may return added value to this project.

This presentation will contain an overview of the HASE science goals and mission design.