NASA’s TEMPO mission has extended its operations until at least September 2026 after completing its initial 20-month-long prime mission. Utilizing a spectrometer, TEMPO gathers hourly air quality data over North America during daytime hours from its orbit 22,000 miles above the ground. The mission’s extension aims to continue tracking trace gases like nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and formaldehyde to monitor air quality changes caused by smog, wildfire smoke, and other pollutants. This continuous data collection enables timely air quality warnings and empowers stakeholders to minimize outdoor exposure during periods of heightened pollution levels.
TEMPO’s success is attributed to its ability to provide data to decision-makers and first responders in under three hours, enabling them to issue air quality alerts promptly. With the substantial demand for TEMPO’s data from over 800 unique users, the mission plays a critical role in supporting air quality forecasters, health researchers, and atmospheric scientists in understanding pollution trends and anomalies better. Collaboration with agencies like NOAA further enhances TEMPO’s capabilities by deriving aerosol products that differentiate between smoke and dust particles, providing valuable insights into their concentration and altitude.