Next-Generation Operational Real-time Monitoring of Methane from Satellite (NGORMMS): Definition of mission concept, capabilities, and operational data fusion for actionable information

The oil and gas industry desires real time measurements of methane emissions at high spatial resolution for facilities across the globe in order to quantify and reduce methane (CH4) releases to the atmosphere. To address this need, we are developing the Next-Generation Operational Real-time Monitoring of Methane from Satellite (NGORMMS) constellation. NGORMMS will use high spatial and high revisit rate optimized configurations for CH4 emission observations (as well as CO2, NO2, and PM2.5/10) to provide real time operational information to industry. Here we present the results of our observing system simulation experiment (OSSE) to determine the instrument, constellation, and modeling requirements to meet the system design goal of measuring CH4 emissions down to 50 kg/hr. Special attention is given to the issue of monitoring offshore sources. We will also discuss the instruments and algorithms of initial NGORMMS satellites.