Use of Space Technologies for Climate Action

It is well known that we are continuously developing new technologies to know the secrets of space. The technologies which are being developed in reference to space and information collected by space equipment may also play a key role in the cause of climate change mitigation and the use of Space Technologies for Climate Action. The following steps may be taken to utilize space-based technologies and space-driven data for climate action: –

1. We all know that in our space we have numbers of satellites roaming around the earth. Some of the satellites are used to collect meteorological data. The following parameters like- city lights, fires, effects of pollution, auroras, sand and dust storms, snow cover, ice mapping, boundaries of ocean currents, and energy flows can be monitored through these satellites, and these satellites are also known as the meteorological satellites. With the combination of various technologies and algorithms, we can accurately predict the power output of photovoltaic power plants. For Example- ‘SolarSAT’ from Italian company Flyby, With the help of this one we can make the assessment of the performance of solar PV power plants throughout the season. The Algorithm derives the relationship between solar irradiance received with various components like Sea, Soil, atmosphere, etc. With this method, we can have increased the power production of solar PV plants by 10%. In the Entire world, we have more than 714 GW of Solar Power plants installed. By using these technologies and algorithms we may avoid the additional installation of 71 GW. This will save the additional land requirement and deforestation. It may be also noted that during the manufacturing, Operation, and maintenance of the Solar PV Plant, CO2 is produced and it is estimated that 50 grams of CO2 may be produced per kW-hr by Solar PV Plant in its first year. By Considering this factor, we may reduce the CO2 emission by 0.35 million tons.

Use of Space Technologies for Climate Action

2. Rapid acceleration and breaking increase fuel consumption. We may develop a system that combines information on the type of car, its location, and the road conditions through satellite data to advise the driver on the most economical driving style to use: when to accelerate when to brake, and when to keep the speed constant. On average, this can result in a 15–25% fuel saving.

3. The methane emission from fossil fuels, organic waste, and livestock are responsible for more than 25% of CO2 Emissions. The oil and gas industries are the largest methane emission sector and they leak 75 Million Metric Tons in a Year from the production to transportation of gas to consumers in the Atmosphere. This leaked Gas can be saved and utilized for the production of electricity. MethaneSAT will be the most advanced methane-tracking satellite in space, measuring methane emissions virtually anywhere on Earth. By using the methaneSAT, we can detect these leaks and cut down half of the CO2 emissions due to methane emissions.

4. Satellite images and weather data collected by meteorological satellites may also be useful in the agriculture industry. As the World Population is continuously increasing and it may be noticed that food security may become a big issue in the future. The weather data and satellite images will help the farmer to improve the agricultural yield.

5. Special miniature ceramic gas sensors to measure oxygen distribution in the plasma wind tunnels originally developed to test heat-shield materials for re-entry spacecraft in extreme conditions are now used in new non-space applications. The small size of the sensor and its fast reaction time have made it possible to develop an improved human breath measurement apparatus, a control system to reduce exhaust gases from heating systems for home and industry, and a handy, easy-to-use portable system to test for hydrogen leakage in industrial installations.