Programme
Remote Sensing
The Remote Sensing programme develops advanced schemes to generate multi‑year global datasets of atmospheric trace gases, aerosols and clouds from satellite observations. These datasets improve understanding of atmospheric composition, climate processes and environmental change, with near‑real‑time capabilities supporting monitoring and operational applications
Programme Aims
Our aim is to deliver high‑quality satellite‑derived data that enhance scientific understanding of the atmosphere and support practical decision‑making. By producing long‑term climate records and near‑real‑time environmental information, the programme contributes to Earth observation science, climate monitoring, air‑quality studies and resilience applications such as solar‑energy management.
Remote Sensing Visualisation Tool
Our work
We develop, validate and operate state‑of‑the‑art retrieval schemes for satellite instruments and transform raw radiances into robust global datasets for climate science, atmospheric research and operational environmental services.
Atmospheric data production & long‑term records
We generate climate‑quality datasets of atmospheric composition through major international programmes including NERC/NCEO, the ESA Climate Change Initiative and EU Copernicus Climate Change Services. These datasets underpin research into trace gases, aerosols, clouds and radiative fluxes.
Near-real-time environmental monitoring
Our near‑real‑time systems detect atmospheric events such as methane releases, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, isoprene emissions and heatwave‑related ozone changes. We also provide solar‑insolation data to support UK solar‑energy infrastructure management.
Scientific collaboration & mission development
We collaborate with UK and international partners to exploit satellite data, and we contribute to mission planning through advisory group involvement (e.g., Sentinel‑4 and Sentinel‑5). We support instrument requirements definition, Level‑1 simulation studies and post‑launch validation activities, including contributions to TCCON CH₄ validation and Sentinel‑3 SLSTR calibration.
Case Study Highlight
Improving air quality control monitoring
Biomass burning severely pollutes the environment, producing plumes of trace gases, including carbon monoxide, and fine aerosols which pose risks to public health. Scientists from RAL Space Remote-Sensing Group and King’s College London took ground-based measurements in Indonesia to combine with satellite data to combine with satellite observations and improve long-term monitoring of air quality.
