Yesterday marks the end of KORUS-AQ. The NASA DC-8, and the scientists that flew on the DC-8, left South Korea at 3:00 PM (South Korean local time) and arrived back to Palmdale, CA at 2:30 PM (Californian local time).
End of mission photo. Courtesy of Rafael Mendez (https://espo.nasa.gov/home/korus-aq/image/KORUS-AQ_Group_Photo_0).
The mission was nearly seven weeks. The three planes that were participated in the mission flew well over 400 hours over South Korea and the waters surrounding the country to investigate transportation of pollution, emissions from various sources, and evolution (chemistry) of the pollution over the country.
Beyond the scientific value of the mission, where the scientists from various countries will have a better understanding of emissions, chemistry, and impacts on human health and climate, KORUS-AQ was important with outreach to the community about the science we were investigated and how it impacts everyone.
Me leading a tour during the KORUS-AQ open house. The open house provided an opportunity for the general public to see all the airplanes and to learn about the science of the mission. Photo provided by Diego Beltran (https://espo.nasa.gov/missions/korus-aq/image/KORUS-AQ_Open_House_12).
Pictures taken throughout the visit of the United States Ambassador to South Korea. I am in the top right picture explaining my instrument and the importance of the measurements. Photo from https://espo.nasa.gov/missions/korus-aq/image/Ambassador_Compilation.
The project was highlighted in numerous news stories, including here, here,here, here, here, here, here, and here for a sampler (granted, many of these are in Korean, but the last one has me in it!!). Between the press coverage, tours, and upcoming documentary that was made about the campaign, I am hoping it has far further impacts than scientific advancements in the chemistry of emissions.
I will have one more post before I have a small vacation prior to my next campaign.
