Today, ISISPACE, TNO, SRON, and KNMI begin the construction of the Twin Anthropogenic Greenhouse gas Observers (TANGO). This is a satellite system from the European Space Agency (ESA) that measures global greenhouse gas emissions of CO2 and methane at source level. TANGO builds on the successful TROPOMI satellite mission. TANGO takes a significant step further: sources responsible for about 70% of greenhouse gas emissions are mapped, while TROPOMI only captures 5% and measures only methane. TANGO measures the greenhouse gas emissions from individual sources such as power plants, landfills, and factories.

TANGO measures the emissions of 150 to 300 large industrial facilities and power plants every 4 days

TANGO consists of two agile satellites, each weighing 25 kilograms, that orbit the Earth together. One satellite measures CO2 and methane emissions, while the other measures nitrogen dioxide. In this way, TANGO measures the emissions of 150 to 300 large industrial facilities and power plants every four days. This produces images of emission plumes with a resolution of 300 by 300 meters.

TANGO Focuses More Precisely

TANGO (Twin Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gas Observers) consists of two satellites that fly in tandem. It will be a unique European measurement system that will determine the emissions of methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide for individual industrial installations. This is done with a spatial resolution of about 300 meters by 300 meters. It is possible to direct the satellites multiple times a week directly at detected sources of greenhouse gas emissions for accurate measurement. This will also allow for the determination of trends, such as geographical distribution, variations in emissions, and the effects of reduction measures.

With this mission, we map greenhouse gas emissions and make visible what is invisible

KNMI researcher Pepijn Veefkind (co-scientific lead of the TANGO mission): “With this mission, we map greenhouse gas emissions and make visible what is invisible. We are entering a new era where not only large-scale measurements are made, but where it also becomes clear who is responsible for those emissions, which is important in the global challenge to significantly reduce greenhouse gases.”

Dutch Partners

TANGO is an ESA mission carried out by a Dutch consortium. ISISPACE leads the implementation and is responsible for the satellites, launch, and operations of the two satellites. TNO develops and builds the instruments that provide the measurements of CO2, methane, and NO2 and works on an emission atlas for greenhouse gas emissions. SRON and KNMI have the scientific leadership of the project and develop the algorithms for deriving gas concentrations. SRON develops detector electronics and the ground station for operational data processing. KNMI has the co-scientific lead and plays an important role in the development of Earth observation satellites and in processing and interpreting the data. TANGO is funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and is a direct result of advice and implementation of space policy by the Netherlands Space Office.

Opportunities for the Netherlands

The Netherlands has had a strong international position in Earth observation and satellite missions for over 40 years

The Netherlands has had a strong international position in Earth observation and satellite missions for over 40 years. The development of TANGO proves this. The construction and launch of TANGO not only provide opportunities for the Dutch industry but also ensure that the Netherlands can further expand its international top position in atmospheric Earth observation and build a unique position in providing climate data. The contract for TANGO between ESA and main contractor ISISPACE was signed on June 26, 2025, in Vienna during the ESA Living Planet Symposium.

Satellite Research at KNMI

KNMI plays an important role in the development of Earth observation satellites and in processing and interpreting the data. Expectations for weather and climate, air pollution, and solar radiation are largely made with data from these satellites. In addition to TROPOMI, KNMI also works with OMI, MTG, EarthCARE, and Sentinel.