Japanese Aerospace Exploration Company Launches Climate Monitoring Satellite

Mission Overview

On June 29, the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Company successfully launched its 50th and final H-2A rocket mission, deploying the GOSAT-GW satellite into orbit from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex at the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan. This mission is a critical step in advancing global efforts to monitor climate change, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

Objectives and Instruments

The GOSAT-GW satellite is designed to study the effects of climate change on ocean temperatures and greenhouse gas concentrations, focusing on fossil fuel emissions and their impact on Earth’s ecosystems. This mission continues the legacy of previous satellites:

1. GCOM-W2 (SHIZIKU) – Launched in 2012 to monitor global water circulation and climate change.
2. GOSAT-1 (IBUKI) – Launched in 2009 to track greenhouse gases worldwide.

GOSAT-GW carries advanced instruments including:

• TANSO Spectrometer: Measures greenhouse gases to assess climate change impacts.
• Instruments to monitor sunlight reflection during daylight hours.
• Sensors targeting large emission sources such as power plants and oil and gas facilities.

Data Utilization and Contribution to SDGs

The data collected by GOSAT-GW will be instrumental in monitoring:

• Water vapor profiles
• Sea ice extent
• Soil water content

This information supports SDG 13 by enhancing climate action through improved understanding of atmospheric changes. Additionally, monitoring sea temperature and ice contributes to SDG 14 by protecting marine ecosystems affected by climate change.

Significance for Sustainable Development

The launch of GOSAT-GW exemplifies Japan’s commitment to international climate goals and sustainable development. By providing accurate and timely data on greenhouse gases and oceanic conditions, this mission aids policymakers and scientists worldwide in:

• Formulating effective climate policies
• Mitigating the adverse effects of climate change
• Promoting sustainable management of natural resources

These efforts collectively advance the global agenda for sustainable development, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental health, economic growth, and societal well-being.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article discusses monitoring greenhouse gases and climate change effects, directly relating to climate action.
2. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The mission studies sea temperature and ocean ecosystems, linking to the conservation and sustainable use of oceans.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Monitoring soil water content and ecosystems relates to sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
2. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.3: Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels.
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods.
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators Related to SDG 13
   • Measurement of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere using the spectrometer TANSO.
   • Monitoring fossil fuel emissions from power plants and oil and gas facilities.
2. Indicators Related to SDG 14
   • Sea surface temperature monitoring to assess ocean warming.
   • Data on sea ice extent and changes.
   • Sunlight reflection measurements indicating ocean surface conditions.
3. Indicators Related to SDG 15
   • Soil water content measurements to monitor terrestrial ecosystem health.
   • Water vapor profiles indicating atmospheric moisture affecting land ecosystems.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: yahoo.com