Tracking pollutants from space: nine years of IASI satellite observation
Résumé
The IASI instruments fly on the MetOp series of satellites. The mission has been providing global observations of the air composition with an excellent spatial resolution, twice a day since 2007 (MetOp-A) and 4 times per day since 2012 (Metop-A and MetOp-B). From the atmospheric spectra recorded by the instrument, concentrations of several trace gases can be monitored, enhanced levels of pollution can be detected, This paper recalls the historical context for the IASI remote sensor, reviews its capability to observe some key species for global and regional pollution monitoring (with a focus on India), and reports on information services that benefit from the mission. On the longer term the continuity of the program is ensured with the IASI-NG mission that will extend the IASI observation for 15-20 more years.