TNO's Satellite Innovation Aims to Tackle Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The Hague, Friday, 14 March 2025.
TNO develops cutting-edge satellite technology to track greenhouse gas sources, supporting climate change mitigation by providing detailed emissions data for global sustainability efforts.
Revolutionary TANGO Satellite System
TNO’s latest breakthrough in satellite technology comes in the form of TANGO, a twin-satellite system specifically designed for monitoring greenhouse gas emissions. The system, developed in collaboration with the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI), the Netherlands Institute for Space Research (SRON), and ISISpace, represents a significant advancement in emissions tracking capability [1]. These compact satellites, each measuring just 40 x 20 x 20 centimeters and weighing under 9 kilograms, can achieve unprecedented precision by zooming in on areas as small as 300 by 300 meters [2].
Enhanced Detection Capabilities
The TANGO system’s innovative design allows for the detection of smaller emission sources, which collectively account for approximately 75% of methane emissions from oil and gas fields, coal mines, and landfills [2]. According to Anton Leemhuis, who manages TNO’s Earth Observation satellite instruments program, the system possesses the extraordinary capability to measure CO2 emissions from power stations and factories, with all collected data being made publicly accessible [2]. The satellites employ advanced spectroscopic technology that can analyze the specific wavelengths of light affected by different atmospheric gases [4].
Global Emissions Atlas Development
In parallel with the TANGO satellite development, TNO is creating a comprehensive global emissions atlas. This groundbreaking initiative will integrate existing data sources with new measurements from the TANGO satellites to create the first public overview of global greenhouse emissions [2]. The project aims to support international climate policy enforcement and help companies make informed decisions about their supply chains based on emissions data [2]. The Clear Air consortium’s involvement further strengthens this initiative by contributing expertise in atmospheric monitoring and modeling [3].
Future Implementation Timeline
Following the European Space Agency’s approval in 2024, the TANGO project has established a clear development timeline. The design and testing phase is scheduled for completion by March 2027, with the launch planned for March 2028 [4]. Systems Engineer Eleonie van Schreven emphasizes that TANGO’s compact design allows for mounting on standard platforms, significantly reducing both costs and deployment time compared to traditional satellite systems [4]. This innovation represents a crucial step forward in the Netherlands’ position as a frontrunner in Earth observation technology [1].