TROPOMI

TROPOMI, which stands for TROPOsphere Monitoring Instrument, is a satellite-based remote sensing instrument designed to measure atmospheric composition. It is a spectrometer onboard the Sentinel-5 Precursor satellite, part of the European Space Agency's Copernicus program. Launched in October 2017, TROPOMI is optimized for high-resolution observations of trace gases in the Earth's atmosphere.

TROPOMI's primary function is to monitor pollutants and atmospheric constituents such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO), and aerosols. Its measurements are critical for assessing air quality, understanding climate change, and tracking environmental pollution on a global scale. The instrument operates by capturing sunlight scattered and reflected from Earth's surface and atmosphere across multiple spectral bands, including ultraviolet, visible, and shortwave infrared.

One of TROPOMI's notable features is its high spatial resolution, which allows detailed observations at a local scale, with each measurement covering approximately 7 x 7 km at the Earth's surface. This enables more precise identification of pollution sources and dispersion patterns. The data collected by TROPOMI are processed and made available to scientists, policymakers, and the public via various platforms, supporting efforts to improve air quality and inform environmental policies.

TROPOMI has been a valuable asset in atmospheric research, providing continuous, near-real-time data since its deployment. Its findings contribute to a deeper understanding of atmospheric chemistry, pollution dynamics, and their impacts on human health and ecosystems. The success of TROPOMI supports advancements in satellite remote sensing and environmental monitoring technologies worldwide.