Jaxa And Ana Team Up To Track Surface Emissions
Researchers in Japan are hoping to get a better look at greenhouse gas emissions from moving traffic. They have teamed up with ANA Holdings to equip passenger jets with sensors that capture detailed data from above.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency began the project with the airline operator this month.
The equipment is carried in the passenger cabin of a regular flight between Tokyo and Fukuoka in western Japan.
It allows scientists to observe greenhouse gas concentrations with greater detail than the satellites that are usually used for the task.
Kuze Akihiko of JAXA is in charge of the initiative. He said, "Data from satellites alone cannot provide precise information about the amount of emissions or where they come from. But using aircraft in combination with them should allow us to get a much better picture."
The project is due to be expanded to other routes. Researchers also hope to measure the role that factories, power plants and major roads play in emissions.