New orbital instrument to take the environmental pulse of the Earth

Oct. 10 () –

Argos-4, an advanced orbital instrument designed to improve understanding of the Earth’s environment, ecosystems and biodiversity, was launched this October 7 from New Zealand.

The instrument, developed in partnership between NOAA and CNES, the French Space Agency, flew as a hosted payload aboard the General Atomics Gazelle satellite on a Rocket Lab Electron spacecraft.

CNES provided Argos-4 to NOAA to continue the Argos Data Collection System (Argos DCS), which dates from 1978. Argos is a polar-orbiting satellite-based system that captures, processes and distributes environmental data, ranging from atmospheric pressure and sea surface temperatures, to wildlife monitoring and marine animal tracking, from fixed platforms and mobile around the world, including inaccessible areas such as oceans, deserts, and polar regions.

Argos-4 will also help monitor pollution on the high seas and assist with maritime security and humanitarian aid missions.

“With its improved technology, Argos-4 will help take the pulse of the Earth’s environment and will deliver greater value and benefit to a variety of users around the world today and in the future,” said it’s a statement Steve Volz, director of NOAA’s Satellite and Information Service.

NOAA Fisheries, dedicated to fisheries research, is the main user of Argos data. “The near real-time information that satellites provide about our environment and how it is changing is essential to all aspects of NOAA Fisheries’ mission,” said Janet Coit, assistant administrator for NOAA Fisheries. “Argos-4’s enhanced data collection capabilities will enhance our ability to manage sustainable fisheries, conserve protected resources, monitor marine heat waves, and take action to support the resilience of our communities.”

General Atomics will conduct an initial verification of Argos-4 10-15 days after launch. Then CNES will calibrate the instrument for three to six months before Argos-4 is fully integrated into Argos DCS.