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Stratospheric ozone monitoring

BIRA-IASB studies the Earth’s stratosphere by looking at long-term changes in stratospheric ozone and the evolution of greenhouse gases.

These important constituents will be measured by the ALTIUS satellite mission, an innovative design created by BIRA-IASB scientists.

BIRA-IASB also focuses on related key parameters like:

  • volcanic aerosols
  • polar stratospheric clouds
  • halogenated compounds

The development of the BASCOE model and data assimilation system has brought to BIRA-IASB a strong competence in the modeling of chemical composition in the stratosphere and its quantitative comparison with satellite and ground-based observations.

Stratospheric Clouds Ozone
We are proud to present a new introductory film, in which the Royal Belgian Institute is being presented in all its facets. Discover the many fields of research and societal challenges in which the Institute is active.
On January 31, King Philippe of Belgium visited the Space Pole and the Institute for Space Aeronomy. Scientists of BIRA-IASB presented him a glimpse of our climate, air quality and ozone layer research.
Starting on Tuesday 27 June 2023, the European model which delivers our meteorological forecasts and monitors the global composition of the atmosphere will undergo a major upgrade.
Consequences of increasing biologically active UV and space radiations, with significant implication for human health, plants and ecosystems, like cancers and cellular dysfunctions.
September 2 marked the two-year anniversary of PICASSO’s launch, the first CubeSat mission of BIRA-IASB.
The Space Pole in Uccle opens its doors to the public on September 24 and 25, 2022.
Interview with BIRA-IASB scientist Alexis Merlaud, on an Antarctic expedition to measure aerosols at the Princess Elisabeth polar station.
The hole in the ozone layer above the Antarctic is very deep this year, due to the exceptionally cold temperatures in the stratosphere.
The launch of Vega Flight VV16, which will put the Belgian CubeSats PICASSO and SIMBA into orbit, has been postponed to August.
Two Belgian CubeSats, PICASSO (from the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy) and SIMBA (from the Royal Meteorological Institute) were launched simultaneously with about 50 tiny satellites, on board Europe’s inaugural Vega SSMS flight.
The largest hole in the ozone layer ever recorded over the North Pole. Unusual meteorological conditions are responsible.