Welcome, and thank you for visiting the Environmental Satellite Center (ESC) of the National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER).

The ESC operates the world’s first geostationary air quality mission, opening a new era in continuous, space-based monitoring of air quality.

Launched on February 19, 2020, the Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS) aboard GEO-KOMPSAT-2B (GK-2B) observes atmospheric composition across East and South Asia—extending from Japan to India and from Mongolia to Indonesia—covering about 20 countries.

Through continuous satellite observations, we are able to monitor long-range transport of fine particulate matter and better understand the generation, movement, and characteristics of air pollutants. These capabilities contribute to improving air quality forecasting.

Building on these data, we are expanding our research to address broader challenges, including climate change, ecosystem impacts, and human health.

Together with the United States’ TEMPO mission, launched in April 2023, and Europe’s Sentinel-4 mission, launched in July 2025, the constellation of three geostationary air quality satellites marks a major step forward in global cooperation to improve air quality.

The ESC remains committed to advancing satellite-based environmental monitoring and to working toward a healthier environment and a better quality of life for all.

Thank you for your continued interest and support.

Shin Hye-Jung
Director
Environmental Satellite Center