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NASA NTRS · Accepted Manuscript (Version with final changes)

Satellite-Derived Air Quality Data Can Effectively Support Health Needs When Use Cases, Earth Observing Capabilities, and Capacities Align

Published 2026-07-31 From Goddard Space Flight Center 23 authors
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Attribution

This is the abstract and citation. Full text lives at NASA NTRS — we link out rather than host. All credit to the authors and Goddard Space Flight Center.

Abstract

Verbatim from NASA NTRS. Not paraphrased, not summarized.

Advances in Earth observation (EO) remote sensing technologies have delivered a range of aerosol and trace gas pollution data with ever-improving spatial and temporal resolution, significantly benefitting assessments of global air quality (AQ). Furthermore, the application of data synthesis techniques incorporating satellite EO with other information sources has improved the availability of satellite-derived estimates of pollutant exposure at local to global scales. These data have been applied to address a diversity of use cases in AQ monitoring and public health, from long-term trend tracking, exposure assessment, and epidemiological analysis to short-term emissions identification and early warning. Successful application of satellite EO to address AQ and AQ related health problems requires an alignment between (1) the technical capabilities of satellite data to provide relevant information, (2) a defined case for using this information to address a particular need, and (3) the human capacity, computational resources, operational plans, and policy and governance frameworks to implement a solution and take action, and to sustain the solution for as long as the need remains. Only when there is substantial alignment across all these factors can satellite EO information be effectively translated into public health benefits. This paper surveys applications of satellite EO to AQ assessment and AQ-related health management globally, synthesizing key commonalities into recommendations for how satellite EO can effectively support health needs. We also identify gaps in current satellite EO capabilities, use case applications, and feasibility factors where future research and investment could reduce barriers to increased application of satellite EO to address pressing public health concerns related to AQ worldwide.

Authors

  • Nathan R Pavlovic Spheros Environmental
  • Carl A Malings Morgan State University
  • Min Huang Science Systems and Applications (United States)
  • Yaqian He Indiana University Bloomington
  • Sebastian Diez Universidad del Desarrollo
  • Jennifer Bratburd University of Wisconsin–Madison
  • Hazem Mahmoud Adnet Systems (United States)
  • Jordan Schnell University of Colorado Boulder
  • Yun Hang The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
  • Lindsey Anderson University of Colorado Boulder
  • Gil Grodzinsky Georgia Environmental Protection Division
  • Priyanka deSouza University of Colorado Denver
  • Mohammed Iqbal Mead Imperial College London
  • Yuhan Rao North Carolina State University
  • Rochelle Velho Keele University
  • Didier Davignon Environment and Climate Change Canada
  • Siddhi Munde University of Nebraska Medical Center
  • Alqamah Sayeed University of Alabama in Huntsville
  • Aekkapol Aekakkararungroj Asian Disaster Preparedness Center
  • Ankit Joshi University of Alabama in Huntsville
  • Osuolale Olayinka Elizade University
  • Honoré Dingam Rondouba SANT SAS/ Dr TOX Initiative
  • Pallavi Pant Health Effects Institute

Keywords

  • Air Quality
  • Public Health
  • Remote Sensing
  • Respiratory Health

Citation: Nathan R Pavlovic, Carl A Malings, Min Huang , et al. (2026). Satellite-Derived Air Quality Data Can Effectively Support Health Needs When Use Cases, Earth Observing Capabilities, and Capacities Align. Goddard Space Flight Center. NASA NTRS ID 20260006964. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20260006964 ↗