Atmosphere

Strengthening PGN for Copernicus Cal/Val Tasks

 

Atmosphere
Atmosphere

The PanAMA project supports the Pandonia Global Network (PGN) for Copernicus Mission Cal/Val through algorithm development, instrument monitoring, and comprehensive validation activities.

Last Updated

09 June 2026

Published on

09 June 2026

About

The PanAMA project, managed by LuftBlick, supports the Pandonia Global Network (PGN) with the aim of enhancing the calibration and validation (Cal/Val) capabilities for the EUMETSAT-operated Copernicus atmospheric composition missions. This project is particularly important in view of the upcoming launches of the Sentinel-4, Sentinel-5, and CO2M missions from 2025 onwards, which require the rapid establishment of high-quality validation data streams.

The PGN network currently consists of more than 180 stations worldwide and provides near-real-time Fiducial Reference Measurements (FRM) of trace gases such as NO₂, O₃, water vapor, SO₂, HCHO, and others. The project complements existing PGN activities, including those supported by ESA, while focusing specifically on the operational validation needs of the Sentinel missions.

Objectives

  • Optimize the quality and consistency of PGN Level-1 and Level-2 data products.
  • Develop and implement new retrieval algorithms and instrumental improvements.
  • Validate satellite-derived atmospheric composition measurements using ground-based PGN observations.
  • Maintain and evolve the network infrastructure, calibration procedures, and data processing capabilities.
  • Ensure the provision of high-quality, near-real-time measurements of reactive trace gases and greenhouse gases in support of Sentinel mission objectives.

Overview

The PanAMA project comprises three main general tasks:

  1. L1 and Instrument Tasks: Improving instrument performance, data quality, and reliability through algorithm development and hardware optimization.
  2. L2 and Validation Tasks: Developing retrieval algorithms and strategies to enhance data accuracy and support the validation of satellite-derived atmospheric composition products.
  3. Network Tasks: Advancing the operational capabilities of the PGN network, including calibration procedures, quality assurance, and data processing activities.

Specifically, Work Package 1 (WP1) focuses on the stabilization and optimization of algorithms for aerosol measurements. Activities include project management, refinement of Level-1 data quality strategies, improvements to spectrometer synchronization and spatial stray light correction, detailed validation planning, and the development of methodologies for spectral aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrieval and instrument stability tracking. WP1 also includes the calibration and quality assurance of selected instruments (PanSels), as well as the creation and maintenance of a dedicated project webpage.

  1. L1 and Instrument Tasks:
  • Improving the synchronization of dual spectrometer systems.
  • Developing algorithms for radiometric stability monitoring using Modified Langley Extrapolation (MLE).
  • Enhancing instrument alignment, particularly for high-latitude measurements.
  • Implementing Level-1 artifact corrections, including spectral and spatial stray light correction and calibration constant uncertainty handling).
  1. L2 and Validation Tasks:
  • Developing and validating spatial stray light correction algorithms to improve retrieval accuracy.
  • Developing robust spectral aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrieval algorithms using combined spectrometer data.
  • Propagating and assessing improvements from Level-1 to Level-2 processing, including the development of new aerosol and greenhouse gas (GHG) products.
  • Preparing comprehensive validation plans tailored specifically for Sentinel-4, Sentinel-5, and CO2M missions.
  1. Network Tasks:
  • Conducting specialized calibration activities, including spectral stray light calibration using advanced methodologies.
  • Implementing enhanced QA/QC procedures to ensure high-quality data products.
  • Advancing data processing and reprocessing methods for optimal data accuracy, consistency and usability.

Additionally, Work Package 1 (WP1) focusses on the stabilization and optimization of algorithms for aerosol measurements and includes the following activities:

  • Project Management: Maintaining project schedules, communication, monthly reporting, and compliance with EUMETSAT standards and procedures.
  • Level-1 and Instrument Evolution Plan: Continuous refinement of Level-1 data quality strategies and instrument improvement plans.
  • Spectrometer Synchronization: Addressing synchronization issues between dual spectrometers to enhance measurement reliability and consistency.
  • Spatial Stray Light Correction: Developing and testing algorithms to correct spatial stray light effects in measurements.
  • Validation Plan: Establishing detailed validation strategies for satellite-derived atmospheric composition products.
  • Instrument Stability and Spectral Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD): Developing robust methodologies for spectral AOD retrieval, instrument calibration, and stability monitoring using advanced techniques.
  • Calibration, Processing, and QA/QC of PanSels: Providing operational support for calibration, data processing, and quality assurance activities tailored to PanAMA requirements.
  • Project & RSP Webpage: Development and maintenance of the project's dedicated webpage, including associated software support.