If the technology in this CubeSat is effective, it could be followed up by future systems which could observe across much greater areas of the Earth, particularly where volcanic activity is concentrated. By spotting eruptions before they happen, a system would be able to provide warnings to people on the ground to get to safety.
“When we recognize that these gases are present and can localize their sources on a sub-kilometer scale, we have the opportunity to take action and minimize negative health outcomes,” said Love (via NASA).
This is possible using NACHOS because of developments in instruments like its hyperspectral imager which can gather high-resolution data from the surface. Such instruments used to be large and bulky, but the CubeSat holds an ultra compact version of the instrument. The small size and lighter weight make fitting out a satellite more feasible. “More power and less weight set NACHOS apart and make it an excellent candidate for future atmospheric trace gas missions,” said Love.
Currently, NACHOS is still on board the Cygnus spacecraft which carried it into orbit, which is berthed at the International Space Station. In May this year, the spacecraft will unberth from the space station and deploy the satellite into low-Earth orbit. Then the team will spend three months preparing the satellite before its science mission begins. They hope that NACHOS will remain in orbit and collecting data for around one year.
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