Skip to main content

NASA's Aura platform detects the unique spectral signatures of trace gases in the atmosphere, including pollutants such as ozone, carbon monoxide, and aerosols. Measurements made by Aura's four instruments help scientists answer questions about ozone trends, air quality changes, and how these fluctuations contribute to climate change.

Type

Earth Observation Satellite

Data Center

ASDC
GES DISC

Launch

July 15, 2004

Objective

Measure trace gases in Earth's atmosphere

Instruments Aboard Aura

Instrument Name Operational Date(s) Spectral Resolution Type of Instrument
High-Resolution Dynamics Limb Sounder

6 to 18 mm

Profiler/Sounder
Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS)

At millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths

Profilers/Sounders
Ozone Monitoring Instrument

1.0 - 0.45 nm Full Width and Half Maximum (FWHM)

Spectrometers/Radiometers
Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer

3.2 to 15.4 μm , with four single-line arrays optimized for different spectral regions

Spectrometers/Radiometers

Frequently Asked Questions

Earthdata Forum

Our online forum provides a space for users to browse thousands of FAQs about research needs, data, and data applications. You can also submit new questions for our experts to answer.

Submit Questions to Earthdata Forumand View Expert Responses

Earthdata
Forum