New Research Based on NASA Data Shows Potential for Satellites to Monitor Air Pollution

Today, peer-reviewed journal GeoHealth published two research studies that show how data from NASA satellites in space can help people better understand local air quality on the ground. Specifically, the studies examine the use of satellite-derived estimates of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to complement the existing U.S. air quality monitoring network and quantify particle pollution in counties where there are no air quality monitors. This is significant because nearly 80% of counties do not have ground-based monitors for particle pollution. The reports’ authors are leading air quality experts from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Washington University in St. Louis and the American Lung Association.

The first article, “Applying Satellite-Derived PM2.5 Data to Policy-Relevant Air Quality Metrics,” applies a new approach to identify areas with high levels of unhealthy particle pollution using gridded, satellite-derived data. The study found 63 counties without air quality monitors that show estimated levels of particle pollution consistent with “failing” grades on the American Lung Association’s annual “State of the Air” report. The findings suggest new methods of analyzing satellite-derived data can help improve insights into air quality across the country.

The second article, “Comparison of Policy-Relevant Air Quality Metrics Calculated With Sparse In Situ Monitoring and Contiguous Satellite-Derived Data,” sought to understand where and why satellite-derived data and ground-based monitor data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency aligned or conflicted. The study found that counties with frequent wildfires, mountains, deserts, few monitors, a large county area, or either low or high pollution levels were more likely to show greater differences between the two datasets. These differences were most common in the western U.S. and grew larger as more risk factors were present. The findings highlight why and where caution is needed when using both satellite and monitor data for air quality management and policy.

“Satellites can play an important role in tracking air quality, even in counties without monitors. It has been exciting to connect satellite-derived data with the information needs of the American Lung Association. Our goal is to understand where satellite-derived PM2.5 may be ready for policy- and health-relevant assessment, and where further work is needed to reduce uncertainties. By applying NASA data to new problems, we can evaluate health risks today and identify research needs for the future,” said Tracey Holloway, Professor in the Nelson Institute Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and co-author of the studies.

“Air pollution is a major public health concern, with fine particulate matter linked to heart disease, lung disease and premature death. While the American Lung Association works to inform the public about their local air quality through our ‘State of the Air’ report, we are limited to the data we have from ground-based regulatory monitors, which leaves about 30% of the U.S. population unmonitored for fine particle pollution,” said Kevin Stewart, director of environmental health for the Lung Association and co-author of the studies. “Our findings suggest that the more we can align satellite data with ground-based monitoring, the greater the potential exists to use that information to inform policy decisions to reduce air pollution.”

The studies are a collaboration between the Nelson Institute Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment, University of Wisconsin–Madison; the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison; the Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis and the American Lung Association. Work for these reports was funded by the NASA Health and Air Quality Applied Sciences Team (HAQAST NASA Grant # 80NSSC21K0427), with additional funding from the American Lung Association.

The studies were published in GeoHealth on July 7, 2026. Access them here:

• Applying Satellite-Derived PM2.5 Data to Policy-Relevant Air Quality Metrics
• Comparison of Policy-Relevant Air Quality Metrics Calculated With Sparse In Situ Monitoring and Contiguous Satellite-Derived Data