Satellite

Imaging spectrometer

Methane

Engineering

Ecology

Aerospace engineering

Constellation

Biology

Computer science

Radiative transfer

Geology

Oceanography

Mechanical engineering

Physics

Greenhouse gas

Optics

Astronomy

Spectrometer

Environmental science

Remote sensing

Limiting

Meteorology

Shortwave

Atmospheric measurement techniques

Abstract. The demonstration satellite GHGSat-D, or “Claire”, launched on 21 June 2016, is the first in a planned constellation of small satellites designed and operated by GHGSat, Inc. to measure greenhouse gas emissions at the facility scale from space. Its instrument measures methane concentrations by collecting and spectrally decomposing solar backscattered radiation in the shortwave infrared using a compact fixed-cavity Fabry–Pérot imaging spectrometer. The effective spatial resolution of 50×50 m2 over targeted 12×12 km2 scenes is unprecedented for a space-based gas-sensing spectrometer. Here we report on the instrument design and forward model and retrieval procedure, and we present several examples of retrieved methane emissions observed over industrial facilities. We discuss the sources of error limiting the performance of GHGSat-D and identify improvements for our follow-on satellites. Claire's mission has proven that small satellites can be used to identify and quantify methane emissions from industrial facilities, enabling operators to take prompt corrective action.

The GHGSat-D imaging spectrometer