Planet is developing a new version of its Tanager spacecraft with improved capabilities to detect and monitor emissions of methane and other trace gases. Unlike the hyperspectral Tanager-1, launched in 2024 year, the new satellite “will focus exclusively on short-wave infrared (SWIR) light" and will provide "five times more coverage area".
Besides the SWIR Tanager, the launch of which is planned not earlier 2028 year, Planet intends to build and launch at least three satellites, similar to Tanager-1, which collect images in hundreds of spectral bands — from visible to short-wave infrared light.
SWIR Tanager will be created in partnership with the non-profit organization Carbon Mapper, which is engaged in environmental monitoring, and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which designs and manufactures Tanager imaging spectrometers.
“This SWIR-only version of the Tanager will use the aircraft's Advanced Emissions Monitoring Imaging Spectrometer, led by Carbon Mapper in partnership with JPL. It optimizes performance by "boosting" just those spectral ranges, which are most relevant for the detection of atmospheric gases", - says the press release.
Rendering of the shortwave infrared Tanager satellite from Planet. Credit: Planet
SWIR Tanager will collect high-resolution images 30 meters in strips wide 100 kilometers. "Collectively, these modifications have the potential to significantly improve support for key commercial applications, in particular mineral exploration, monitoring of fuel load for fires and detection of ignition sources", - it is noted in the message.
“Evolving the Tanager Constellation, we plan to further demonstrate our ability to quickly and efficiently build state-of-the-art spacecraft, which continues to be of tremendous value to our global customers and partners.”, said Planet's vice president of space mission delivery, Jeff Guido. "We are glad to see, як дедалі більше цих апаратів виходять на орбіту, і розкривати той глобальний вплив, який вони можуть забезпечити».
The Carbon Mapper monitoring system monitors methane and carbon dioxide emissions using satellite and aircraft sensors. To date, the non-profit organization has identified more than 11 000 plumes of methane almost from 5000 sources around the world.
“As the Tanager mission continues, the spacecraft will be developed to support both large-scale methane monitoring, as well as various commercial applications, which require highly accurate SWIR hyperspectral data, - says the press release. — Both versions of Tanager will complement each other well, helping to meet other commercial needs in the areas of biodiversity, quality of water and minerals".
Source: https://spacenews.com