Designed for high accuracy measurement of carbon dioxide and
methane concentrations globally, the new satellite is expected to
double greenhouse gas readings per day over its GOSAT-1
predecessor.
QUÉBEC, Nov. 6, 2018 /CNW Telbec/
- The Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite-2 (GOSAT-2) was launched
on October 29, 2018 from the JAXA
Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima,
Japan. The satellite carries an interferometer developed and
manufactured by ABB in Quebec City,
Canada. This same ABB technology is used on the ground for
continuous emissions monitoring from industrial sources.
The GOSAT-2 orbits the earth 15 times a day at an altitude of
613 km. Over a 6-day period, the satellite undertakes a complete
mapping of the globe, taking over 100,000 precise measurements of
the total methane, water vapor, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
in the Earth's atmosphere. These greenhouse gases (GHG) and vapor
prevent the earth from effectively radiating heat into deep space
thus resulting in an increase in global surface temperature.
"ABB is very proud of its involvement in the development of
GOSAT-2. This second satellite relies on the heritage of GOSAT-1, a
highly successful satellite in orbit since 2009. ABB has provided
technologies for the Japanese space program for over 20 years, and
contributed to several other high profile space misions like JPSS,
NPP, Meteosat, IASI, SciSat, MetImage and more. All these
contribute to a better understanding of our planet, and help
overcome climate change challenges" said Marc-Andre Soucy, Space and Defense Systems
Director at ABB Measurement & Analytics Business Unit.
For the GOSAT-2 mission, over 50 ABB experts were involved in
the design and manufacturing of the payload. The contract was
awarded to ABB by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, acting as the
primary equipment supplier for this successor mission. GOSAT-2 was
jointly developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA),
the National Institute for Environmental Studies, and the Ministry
of Environment.
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology
leader in power grids, electrification products, industrial
automation and robotics and motion, serving customers in utilities,
industry and transport & infrastructure globally. Continuing a
history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB today is
writing the future of industrial digitalization with two clear
value propositions: bringing electricity from any power plant to
any plug and automating industries from natural resources to
finished products. As title partner in ABB Formula E, the fully
electric international FIA motorsport class, ABB is pushing the
boundaries of e-mobility to contribute to a sustainable future. ABB
operates in more than 100 countries with about 147,000
employees. www.abb.com
ABB has a strong history in Canada, and the company continues to expand
and localize its offerings for customers. With its Canadian
corporate headquarters in Montreal, ABB operates close to 50 facilities
and employs approximately 4,000 people across
Canada. www.abb.ca
SOURCE ABB inc.