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NASA's Aura platform detects the unique spectral signatures of trace gases in the atmosphere, including pollutants such as ozone, carbon monoxide, and aerosols. Measurements made by Aura's four instruments help scientists answer questions about ozone trends, air quality changes, and how these fluctuations contribute to climate change.
Type
Earth Observation Satellite
Data Center
ASDC
GES DISC
Launch
July 15, 2004
Objective
Measure trace gases in Earth's atmosphere
Instruments Aboard Aura
| Instrument Name | Operational Date(s) | Spectral Resolution | Type of Instrument |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Resolution Dynamics Limb Sounder (HIRDLS) | July 15, 2004 - March 17, 2008 | 6 to 18 mm |
Profiler/Sounder |
| Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) (MLS) | August 13, 2004 - present | At millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths |
Profilers/Sounders |
| Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) | August 9, 2004 - present | 1.0 - 0.45 nm Full Width and Half Maximum (FWHM) |
Spectrometers/Radiometers |
| Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) | July 15, 2004 - January 31, 2018 | 3.2 to 15.4 μm , with four single-line arrays optimized for different spectral regions |
Spectrometers/Radiometers |
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