Detecting Emissions from the Sky

Principal Investigators: James Amato and Kyle Summerfield

Hyperspectral Gas-Emission Detection

This project evaluates whether hyperspectral imaging can be used to detect and potentially quantify controlled emissions of methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen blends under realistic release conditions. ART/STAR funding is supporting both the acquisition of a new heavy-lift drone platform (>55 lbs), required to safely carry and operate the hyperspectral sensor, and research time at Methane Emissions Technology Evaluation Center (METEC) to conduct controlled gas-emission experiments. These investments will enable SER to define detection limits, identify operational constraints, and establish reproducible workflows for future field deployment.

Three people is safty vets stand around a large drone

Problem

Methane and carbon dioxide leaks from pipelines, reservoirs, and other energy infrastructure can be difficult to detect and quantify using defensible, field-deployable methods. Industry and public-sector operators need reliable remote sensing workflows that can support environmental monitoring, emissions mitigation, and decision-making in real-world conditions.

Solution

This project uses UW’s HySpex Mjolnir VS-620 imaging spectrometer in controlled gas-release experiments at METEC to test detection performance across different gas types, release regimes, and flight altitudes. The result will be curated datasets and documented workflows that assess whether hyperspectral imaging can support repeatable gas-emission monitoring applications.

Wyoming Impact

This work could improve environmental monitoring by supporting earlier detection of leaking pipelines and other surface or subsurface emission sources, helping reduce emissions and improve response. It also positions UW to provide cutting-edge hyperspectral remote sensing capabilities that support Wyoming’s energy, environmental, and research sectors.