Today ISS crew will test a technique for measuring concentrations of greenhouse gases in atmosphere from a near-earth orbit by means of “RUSALKA” (“mermaid”) device.

      Measuring integral content of carbon dioxide is extremely important for studying climate change; however, necessary accuracy in these measurements can be achieved at a limited number of terrestrial stations. Global data and search for sinks and sources of greenhouse gases require accurate and localized satellite measurements.

      “RUSALKA” device takes measurements through a special quartz illuminator, pointed to Earth. Spectra and images, taken by the device, are sent to Earth for further processing.

      Source: RIA Novosti