New International Space Station instrument will scan great lakes air

A new remote sensing instrument to be installed on the International Space Station will help track air pollution across the Great Lakes, according to Great Lakes Echo. The device is called CATS, for Cloud-Aerosol Transport System.

It will use LiDar technology to measure clouds and air pollution across the region, zeroing in on things like dust and particulates. LiDar illuminates its target using laser beams and measures the amount of light reflected back.

Though the instrument will scan the Great Lakes, scientists say CATS will be helpful in studies across the globe. It will replace a soon-to-be-retired instrument currently on the ISS.

Top image: Artist rendering of CATS. (Credit: NASA)