NASA is using a network of 10 ground-based sensors in Ethiopia to study PM2.5 pollution and its health impacts.
Key facts
- •The MAIA mission uses 10 ground-based sensors in Addis Ababa to measure PM2.5 particulate matter.
- •Black carbon in the city is primarily generated by diesel vehicles, fires, and other combustion sources.
- •The 2025 State of Global Air Report links PM2.5 exposure to 4.9 million excess deaths per year globally.
- •MAIA research covers 12 regions, including three in the U.S.: Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Boston.
- •A space-based camera for the mission is expected to launch on an Italian Space Agency satellite by late 2027.
NASA’s Multi-Angle Imager for Aerosols (MAIA) mission is utilizing a network of 10 ground-based sensors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to conduct a detailed study of local air quality. The project focuses on measuring particulate matter 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter (PM2.5), specifically tracking black carbon produced by combustion sources like diesel vehicles and fires.
By the numbers
Research Scope and Methodology
The MAIA sensors have tracked air quality variations in Addis Ababa over a three-year period, identifying pollution spikes linked to daily rush-hour traffic and holiday celebrations. The data shows air quality levels ranging from 20 to 40 micrograms per cubic meter across the monitoring stations. These findings are intended to provide insights applicable to other global cities, including those in the United States.
Health Impacts and Future Expansion
According to the 2025 State of Global Air Report, PM2.5 particles are associated with approximately 4.9 million excess deaths annually worldwide. Black carbon, a key component of the pollution studied in Addis Ababa, is linked to respiratory conditions, premature mortality, low birth weight, and brain development issues. The MAIA mission is currently researching a dozen regions globally, including Atlanta, Boston, and Los Angeles. The project will eventually incorporate a space-based observatory, featuring a camera built at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, scheduled for launch on an Italian Space Agency satellite no earlier than late 2027.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by NASA Breaking News, NASA Breaking News.
