The European Space Agency’s (ESA) new satellite system, TANGO, is a groundbreaking initiative that aims to accurately measure emissions of the main greenhouse gases worldwide. Developed by Dutch experts in collaboration with other European organizations, this system is poised to revolutionize the way we track and understand greenhouse gas emissions.
The Scope of TANGO
The TANGO system consists of a twin satellite that will observe emissions from human activities from space. It will track the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane gas, and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), providing a comprehensive understanding of the sources responsible for 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
- TANGO will map the emission sources of CO2 and methane gas, including power plants, large factories, and landfills.
- The system will also monitor the emission of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is a major contributor to air pollution.
- By tracking the sources of these greenhouse gases, TANGO will provide valuable insights into the global emissions landscape.
The TANGO system is a significant improvement over existing emissions measurement systems, such as TROPOMI, which was launched in 2017. While TROPOMI measures various pollution substances, including nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane, it does not measure CO2 emissions at a large scale.
The Benefits of TANGO
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a crucial part of reducing climate change. By accurately measuring emissions, we can better understand the sources of these emissions and develop targeted strategies to reduce them.
- With TANGO, we can identify the sources of greenhouse gas emissions and develop policies to reduce them.
- The system will provide valuable insights into the global emissions landscape, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions.
- TANGO will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10-20% over the next decade.
The TANGO system is a significant step forward in the fight against climate change. By providing accurate and comprehensive measurements of greenhouse gas emissions, TANGO will enable us to better understand the sources of these emissions and develop effective strategies to reduce them.
Technical Details
The TANGO system consists of a twin satellite that is responsible for observing emissions from human activities from space. The satellites are built by ISISPACE and equipped with measuring instruments designed by TNO.
| Organization | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| ISISPACE | Building the satellites |
| TNO | Designing the measuring instruments |
| SRON and KNMI | Leading the scientific aspects of the project |
The TANGO system is expected to begin operations in 2028, providing a new era of emissions measurements and enabling policymakers to make informed decisions about reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“With this mission, we’re making the invisible visible,” said KNMI scientist Pepijn Veefkind. “We’re going into a new age in which things are not only measured at a large scale, but where it is also clear who is doing what, and that is important for the global challenge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Comparison with TROPOMI
TANGO is not the first emissions measurement system to be developed in the Netherlands. The TROPOMI system, launched in 2017, measures various pollution substances, including nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane.
- TANGO differs from TROPOMI in that it measures CO2 emissions at a much larger scale.
- TANGO is a more comprehensive system, tracking the emission of CO2, methane gas, and nitrogen dioxide.
- TANGO is expected to provide more accurate measurements than TROPOMI.
The TANGO system is a significant improvement over TROPOMI, providing a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of greenhouse gas emissions.
Conclusion
The European Space Agency’s Emissions Measurement System, TANGO, is a groundbreaking initiative that aims to accurately measure emissions of the main greenhouse gases worldwide.
