World\u2019s First: JAXA and ANA Launch Fully Automated Remote Sensing for Atmospheric Observation on Commercial Flights
\u2014 A Joint Research Project to take on the Greenhouse Gases \u2014<\/h2>\n
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Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
ANA HOLDINGS INC.<\/p>\n
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\n \u2003Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (hereinafter \u201cJAXA\u201d) and ANA HOLDINGS INC. (hereinafter \u201cANAHD\u201d) have launched the world\u2019s first automated system for atmospheric composition monitoring demonstration on scheduled commercial flights. The new initiative utilizes advanced satellite remote sensing technology adapted for airborne deployment.\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n \u2003Building on collaborative research since September 2020, JAXA and ANAHD have focused on gathering crucial data on atmospheric composition from aircraft cabins*1<\/sup>, particularly in urban areas. The project adapts the sophisticated atmospheric observation technology from JAXA\u2019s “IBUKI” (GOSAT)*2<\/sup>, the Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite, launched in 2009. This is because it is estimated that urban areas account for 70 to 80% of total anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions, the initiative provides granular data to support the examination of urban emission reduction and the assessment of their effectiveness, and significantly contributes to the goals of the Paris Agreement.\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u00a9 ANAHD<\/p>\n \n Figure 1:<\/span>Conceptual diagram of atmospheric composition monitoring on scheduled commercial flights and satellites<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n \u2003A major advancement in the joint research is the automation of the observation process. Previously, JAXA-developed equipment required manual setup for each test flight*3<\/sup>. Now, the system has been seamlessly integrated into a modified section of an ANA Boeing 737 cabin, enabling permanent, continuous operation. The newly developed onboard technology effectively combines wide-area satellite observation with high-frequency, high-resolution aircraft data to create a more accurate and robust monitoring network (shown in Figure 1).\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \u2003The milestone marks the world’s first successful implementation of an automated atmospheric composition monitoring system on scheduled commercial flights utilizing satellite remote sensing technology.\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \u2003Through this joint research, JAXA and ANAHD will contribute to creating social value toward the realization of a decarbonized society and new economic opportunities for the aviation industry. The partners will aim to expand the variety of observed data sets, building data utilization businesses tailored to the needs of international organizations, governments, private companies and local municipalities, with the goal of delivering scientific evidence for effective greenhouse gas mitigation strategies.\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \u2003Looking ahead, research and development will extend beyond atmospheric observation by leveraging both space and aviation platforms*4<\/sup> to help solve global social issues, including pressing environmental challenges.\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n This initiative is promoted as the “GOBLEU Project” (Greenhouse gas Observations of Biospheric and Local Emissions from the Upper sky). See the following URLs for details (Figure 2 shows the mission logo).
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\n GOSAT (IBUKI): A satellite developed by JAXA, the Ministry of the Environment and the National Institute for Environmental Studies, measures CO2 and methane from space. Its successors, GOSAT-2 (launched Oct 2018) and GOSAT-GW (launched June 2025), continue this mission (https:\/\/www.satnavi.jaxa.jp\/files\/project\/gosat-gw\/en\/<\/span>). It uses remote sensing to measure light absorption intensity based on atmospheric concentrations.
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\n Reference Paper: Suto et al., 2025: https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s13021-024-00273-1External Link<\/span><\/span>
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\n JAXA and ANAHD developed technology to simultaneously collect GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) data and other auxiliary information to improve observation accuracy.
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