Satellites Underestimate Power Plant CO₂ Emissions by 70%, Study Finds

Current satellite systems underestimate total CO₂ emissions from U.S. thermal power plants by 70% (±12%), according to a study published in the Journal of Remote Sensing. Led by researchers at the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the analysis highlights critical gaps in remote sensing technology, including coarse spatial resolution (1.29×2.25 km² for the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 satellite, or OCO-2; 1.6×2.2 km² for OCO-3), limited precision (~1 ppm), and infrequent revisit cycles (16 days). However, the study estimates that next-generation satellites—equipped with 0.5 km resolution, a precision of at least 0.7 ppm, and daily monitoring capabilities—could reduce errors to below 20%. This advancement would represent a transformative leap in strengthening global carbon accountability.

Apr 11, 2025

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Scientists Unveil High-Resolution Dataset to Combat Land Degradation

An international team of researchers has developed the world's first 30-meter resolution dataset to track changes in land productivity—a critical dataset for fighting global land degradation. Published in Scientific Data (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41597-025-04883-3), this innovation promises to help nations track progress toward Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15.3, which aims to achieve a "Land Degradation Neutrality" (LDN) world by 2030.

Apr 09, 2025

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New AI-Powered Algorithm Enhances Satellite Monitoring of Air Pollution

A research team led by Prof. SHI Chong from the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), in collaboration with Japanese scientists, has made a breakthrough in satellite-based air quality monitoring. The team has developed AIRTrans, an innovative algorithm that dramatically improves the accuracy and efficiency of retrieving key aerosol properties from multispectral satellite observations.

Apr 09, 2025

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Advanced Visual Localization and Topographic Mapping Empower Zhurong Rover's Mars Exploration

A recent study published in the IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing sheds light on the sophisticated visual localization and topographic mapping techniques that empower China's Zhurong rover to navigate and conduct scientific investigations on Mars. Developed by researchers from the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Beijing Aerospace Control Center (BACC), these techniques played a vital role in the success of the Tianwen-1 mission—China's first independent interplanetary exploration endeavor.

Apr 03, 2025

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Beijing's Urban Growth Intensifies Summer Heat and Winter Chill, Study Reveals

Rapid urbanization is making Beijing's summers hotter and winters colder, according to a study published in Urban Climate. Using advanced climate modeling, researchers from the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences together with the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research have uncovered how urban land use and human-generated heat reshape the city's outdoor thermal comfort, posing dual challenges for residents.

Apr 01, 2025

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