Research progress of spaceborne passive remote sensing detection payload of greenhouse gases

Abstract

A global consensus has been made to promote carbon emission reduction in response to global warming caused by the increase of greenhouse gases, such as CO2 and CH4. Spaceborne observation has the characteristics of large observation space and continuous observation time, which are among the main means of observing greenhouse gases at present. The establishment of a sound carbon monitoring system and spaceborne passive remote sensing of major greenhouse gases in the atmosphere will help to evaluate the impact of the greenhouse effect and guide human greenhouse gas emission activities, which is of great significance to human society. Active satellite-borne remote sensing of greenhouse gases become successful through proper planning. Among the spaceborne passive remote sensing payloads of greenhouse gases successfully applied in orbit, three technical systems are mainly included: Michelson interference spectroscopy represented by GOSAT (Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite) and GAS (Greenhouse gases Absorption Spectrometer); grating spectroscopy represented by OCO (Orbiting Carbon Observatory) and ACGS; and spatial heterodyne interference spectroscopy represented by GMI (Greenhouse gases Monitoring Instrument). This study focuses on the analysis of these three typical technology systems and compares the advantages and disadvantages of different detection technologies. At the same time, comprehensive satellite payloads for the detection of greenhouse gases include IMG (Interferometric Monitor for Greenhouse gases), SCIAMACHY (SCanning Imaging Absorption SpectroMeter CHartographY), AIRS (Atmospheric Infrared Sounder), ACE-FTS (Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment Fourier Transform Spectrometer), IASI (Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Instrument), and CrIS (Cross-track Infrared Sounder). Moreover, projects for the spaceborne passive remote sensing of greenhouse gases that include GeoCarb (Geostationary Carbon Observatory) and Copernicus CO2 Monitoring Mission are introduced. To meet the needs of the next generation of spaceborne remote sensing of greenhouse gases, combined with the in-orbit performance of the GMI on GF-5 and the research progress of the new spatial heterodyne interference imaging spectroscopy technology, the feasibility of further achieving high spatial resolution on the basis of hyperspectral resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio is analyzed. This study proposes a payload technology scheme with high timeliness and regional carbon monitoring capability of different subdivisions, which will provide a technical basis for the development of the next generation of detection payload for greenhouse gases. Reviewing the development process of technologies for the spaceborne detection of greenhouse gases, six development trends of spaceborne passive remote sensing payloads of greenhouse gases are summarized: (1) specialization of detection load; (2) improvement of detection sensitivity; (3) wide width and high spatial resolution; (4) integration of multiple observation modes; (5) systematization of high/ medium/ow orbit monitoring; (6) miniaturization of detection load.