NASA to launch its first probe to track CO2

February 19, 9:58 AMDenver Weather ExaminerTony Hake

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NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory will allow the most
detailed measurements of CO2 globally ever taken.

Next week NASA will take a major step forward in its ability to measure carbon dioxide, the atmospheric gas thought to cause global warming.  On Monday, February 23rd, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO) will be launched  with a singular purpose – measuring carbon dioxide globally. 

The telephone booth sized satellite is much smaller than many of the satellites used for similar purposes but its purpose-built sensors will allow NASA its best look yet at CO2.  CO2 makes up an incredibly small part of the atmosphere – currently at 362 parts per million – so the challenge is great.  If the satellite operates as expected, it should allow CO2 measurements across the globe and in places normally not accessible. 

By combining the data from OCO and ground-based measuring stations, a global map of CO2 will be able to be created and changes can be monitored much more accurately.  The added data will allow climate scientists to better understand CO2, its impact on the environment, and better predict future CO2 levels. 

Here's a video from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) with more details about the OCO mission and how CO2 impacts the Earth: