On January 20th, 2023, 1-2 PM UTC, David Ikpaya (Nigerian National Space Research and Development Agency – NASRDA) will present his work for the development of a Spatial Heterodyne Atmospheric Carbon-Dioxide Spectrometer (SHACS) for Global Atmospheric Carbon-Dioxide Monitoring.

Finding solutions to the continuous concerns over climate change has been of increased interest in recent times with efforts targeted at mitigating its effects. Satellite observations and in-situ terrestrial networks play key roles in the understanding and management of the problem. Whilst detecting CO2 optically is relatively straightforward, and has been achieved with small satellites, accurate quantitative mapping of CO2 requires very high precision (~1 ppm uncertainty or better) measurements of the gas concentration. This normally requires high-performance, large and complex instruments whose high cost, mass, volume, and power requirements preclude their use on small satellites. In this session, Dr Ikpaya will discuss his clean energy-related research which is focused on the development of SHACS: Spatial Heterodyne Atmospheric Carbon-Dioxide Spectrometer – a robust, no-moving-part, compact precision atmospheric CO¬2 monitoring instrument suitable for both space-based and in-situ based observations. SHACS provides a cost-effective and affordable means of monitoring atmospheric CO2 levels globally. Due to its compact configuration, the instrument fits into a microsatellite-size platform and can provide high-quality hourly measurements of atmospheric CO2 concentration when launched in constellation. His research was published in IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing journal. This session will also proffer solutions to determining the extent of carbon fluxes in the tropics especially in regions around the equatorial zone due to the sparseness of in-situ CO2 measurement networks. Also, he will present how the SHACS instrument can support policymakers to ensure compliance from all countries as they seek to reduce carbon emissions in response to the global climate crisis. Dr Ikpaya will also highlight the UN Sustainable Development Goals addressed by his research.

This is an Ocean Decade Event.