ANA Holdings has joined a consortium led by Axelspace, selected by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Space Strategy Fund to develop technology for source-specific CO2 emission and uptake monitoring via satellite constellations and aircraft observations. Partners include Meisei Electric and JIJ.
The project targets miniaturization and cost reduction of spectrometers to enable compact sensors for satellites, aircraft, and ground stations. These will provide high-frequency, high-resolution data on CO2 by source sector, time, and location, focusing on urban areas with multi-point observations at different times of day.
ANA Holdings will utilize its commercial flight network for real-world sensor testing and validation, combining aircraft data with satellite observations. The airline has prior experience collaborating with JAXA on airborne remote sensing, including the GOBLEU Project adapting Ibuki satellite technology for commercial jets.
“We are honored to participate in what will be the world’s first greenhouse gas observation project integrating a satellite constellation, scheduled commercial flights, and a ground-based network,” said Masashi Hamade, Director of Business Strategy at ANA Holdings.
A demonstration satellite launch is planned between fiscal 2030 and 2032, following aircraft validation tests. JIJ will apply quantum computing for data processing in complex environments. Additional participants include Kagawa University, MUFG Bank, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance, and the Universities Space Research Association. Japan pioneered dedicated greenhouse gas satellites with Ibuki.
“Climate change represents one of the most urgent challenges facing humanity,” said Yuya Nakamura, CEO of Axelspace. “To drive effective action by governments and businesses alike, objective and transparent monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions—by specific sources—is essential.”