NASA Leads International Mission To Study Air Quality In Metro Manila, Asian Region

The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is spearheading an international endeavor to comprehensively assess the air quality over Metro Manila and its surrounding regions, as announced by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Scientific research flights will be conducted as part of the study, with engineers and air quality specialists from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of DENR accompanying NASA scientists onboard to learn and contribute to the research.

DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga revealed that the collaborative mission, named Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ), brings together experts from NASA, DENR, South Korea’s National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).

Emphasizing the significance of this collaboration, Loyzaga stated that the experts will join forces to comprehend and address air pollution challenges in the region. The data collected from the research flights will inform mitigation efforts targeting air quality issues affecting public health and climate change.

NASA's mission will leverage advanced satellite technology, ground-based observations, and airborne missions to gain insights into the specific air quality challenges faced by Metro Manila.

Scientific research flights will be conducted as part of the study, with engineers and air quality specialists from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of DENR accompanying NASA scientists onboard to learn and contribute to the research.

Loyzaga highlighted that this collaboration will enhance air quality models, facilitate accurate forecasts, and inform the development of effective policies to ensure improved air quality in the future.

Furthermore, the collaboration extends to include the Philippine Space Agency, Manila Observatory, Ateneo de Manila University, and the University of the Philippines, underscoring the comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to addressing air quality issues in the region.

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