Canada contributes to NASA’s international Atmosphere Observing System
Oct. 21, 2022
Global Korean Post
Canadian Space Agency said that François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced Canada’s contribution to the Atmosphere Observing System (AOS) mission led by NASA.
Canada’s contribution is estimated at more than $200 million. Currently slated to launch in 2028 and 2031, this major multi-satellite mission will improve extreme weather prediction, climate modelling, and monitoring of disasters.
Extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and intensity. The dynamics of our planet’s atmosphere are changing. We need better environmental prediction to support adaptation and climate resilience. The AOS, including its Canadian contribution, will measure aerosols and clouds, and how they interact to impact Earth’s weather and climate.
Canada’s contribution to the AOS is the High-altitude Aerosols, Water vapour and Clouds (HAWC) mission. It consists of two Canadian instruments on a Canadian satellite and a third instrument on a NASA satellite, all planned for launch in 2031.
These innovative instruments will provide critical data, enabling Canadian climate scientists and weather forecasters to better understand and predict extreme events, like severe storms, floods, droughts and poor air quality conditions. HAWC and AOS data will be fully accessible.
