Lexington, MA — October 10, 2008 — Atmospheric and Environmental Research, Inc. (AER), a leader in atmospheric remote sensing, has had two AER research proposals selected by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) and the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) as part of the First Research Announcement for the Greenhouse gases Observation SATellite (GOSAT) Science Team. The focus of these projects is the validation of existing AER infrared trace gas remote sensing algorithms and the validation of a new sensor for the measurement of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). “AER is indeed proud to have two research teams selected to participate in this important international endeavor at the forefront of global change research,” said Ron Isaacs, AER Executive Vice President.
The first proposal, “Trace Gas Remote Sensing Using Near-Infrared and Longwave-Infrared Spectra” is led by Dr. Richard Lynch and Mr. Mark Shephard. This work will focus on the validation of trace gas remote sensing techniques. The second proposal, “Validation of a Laser-Based System for the Measurement of CO2” led by Dr. Hilary E. Snell and Dr. T. Scott Zaccheo, focuses on the use of GOSAT measurements to develop and validate laser techniques for the satellite-based measurement of carbon dioxide.
For over 25 years AER has been at the forefront in the development of state-of-art algorithms for modeling and simulation of the atmosphere. These include the radiative transfer and geophysical parameter retrieval algorithms implemented for a number of operational and research satellite programs. To facilitate these activities we have developed a software testbed infrastructure for the development and testing new algorithm concepts, as well as the validation of existing algorithms. The use of GOSAT data enhances on-going validation activities at AER by extending algorithm validations into the short-wave infrared region of the spectrum and provides the ability to directly compare the data with other measurement technologies operating in this spectral region.
Drs. Snell and Lynch will travel to Tokyo in November for the inaugural GOSAT science team meeting where they will present their plans for using GOSAT data.
About AER
AER has provided advanced science solutions for government and commercial applications since 1977. Our scientists’ interdisciplinary expertise encompasses studies of the Earth and its atmosphere and oceans, space, and the planets. AER’s Sensor Applications and Modeling Division provides practical solutions and robust tools for the simulation and analysis of remote sensing data. For more information, visit www.aer.com.
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Contacts:
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Stephen Walker, +1 781-761-2312
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