NASA Planes Support Air Quality Science Flights

This summer, NASA spearheaded the Mid-Atlantic Gas Emissions Quantification (MAGEQ) campaign, a collaborative effort involving six aircraft that logged over 400 hours of flights across the mid-Atlantic United States. 

Partnering with NOAA, the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and various universities and agencies, the initiative aimed to collect vital data on air quality, forestry, and fire management.

The campaign, spanning about six weeks, featured coordinated flights over diverse landscapes including cities, wetlands, farms, and coal mining areas like the Shenandoah Valley and Chesapeake Bay.

 Aircraft such as NASA's G-LiHT on the A90, P-3, and Twin Otter were equipped with specialized instruments. 

Some flew at high altitudes to simulate satellite views, while others measured air particles directly, navigating challenges like clouds and storms.

Scientific goals focused on quantifying gas emissions, verifying data from satellites like TEMPO, and refining atmospheric models such as the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS).

 The data supports state resource managers in monitoring wetland health for storm resilience, carbon absorption, and tourism.

 It also aids energy operators in detecting methane leaks for quicker environmental interventions.

Glenn Wolfe, MAGEQ project lead at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, highlighted the complexity: "Each aircraft team... understands how to fly their particular plane to achieve the science they want."

 Lesley Ott from NASA’s Global Modeling Office added, “It’s been inspiring to see how everybody worked together... making usable data sets that meets the needs of different stakeholders.”

This multi-agency effort underscores the power of airborne science in advancing Earth observation and environmental stewardship, with data poised to enhance models and policy decisions.