News

Canada’s Scisat satellite has exceeded all expectations by remaining in operation for 20 years, despite its original planned lifetime of only two years. This accomplishment is particularly significant as Scisat continues to provide vital data in tracking the effects of human-driven climate change.

According to program lead Marcus Dejmek, three factors have enabled the Canadian Space Agency to extend the satellite’s lifespan. First, the satellite’s orbit requires minimal fuel to maintain stability. Additionally, the data products have been continuously refined to track additional gases and chemical species, even with aging instruments. Finally, the combination of a well-maintained satellite and ongoing updates has ensured that Scisat remains a valuable resource, thereby securing consistent funding.

Scisat, roughly the size of a queen-sized bed, employs two scientific instruments to identify gases and particles in Earth’s atmosphere. With guidance from a coalition of Canadian universities, the satellite closely monitors the erosion of the ozone layer, which shields the planet from harmful solar radiation.

One notable achievement of Scisat is the discovery of atmospheric pollutants that had not previously been detected from space. For example, the satellite identified the refrigerant gas HCFC-142b, which replaced chlorofluorocarbons, substances that were phased out following the 1987 Montreal Protocol due to their ozone-depleting properties. Scisat also tracks pollutants emitted by forest fires, which have been particularly severe in Canada this year.

Crucially, Scisat’s data has shown that frequent and intense wildfires can delay the recovery of the ozone layer in a warming world. The satellite not only monitors pollutants but also provides valuable insight into their distribution by altitude. By utilizing a Fourier transform spectrometer, Scisat can analyze trace gases at different levels in the atmosphere. Furthermore, both of Scisat’s instruments record the spectra of sunlight passing through the atmosphere, enabling scientists to study its chemical composition.

In addition to these achievements, Scisat has contributed to numerous high-impact scientific publications. Its data will continue to be valuable even after its mission eventually concludes, no earlier than 2024.

While no direct successor to Scisat is currently being developed in Canada, the country is working on WildFireSat, a satellite optimized for monitoring active fires and providing early warnings to first responders.

The long life of Scisat raises an important point that has been discussed within NASA and the European Space Agency: the need for ongoing missions to replace or enhance aging satellites. A diverse range of long-term observations in space is crucial in advancing our understanding of Earth’s climate and environment.

The post Canadian Satellite Continues to Surpass Lifetime Expectations appeared first on satProviders.