NASA's MAIA Sensors Deliver Detailed Air-Quality Map of Addis Ababa

NASA’s Multi-Angle Imager for Aerosols (MAIA) mission has deployed a dozen sensors, ten of which operate in Addis Ababa, to monitor fine particles (PM2.5) and black carbon. Measurements collected over three years reveal spatial variations from 20 to 40 micrograms per cubic meter, with the highest levels linked to traffic peaks and festive celebrations. Local combustion sources such as diesel engines and fires drive the soot pollution that has been associated with low birth weight, brain development issues, respiratory problems, and premature death.

The project also includes a space-based camera, built at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, slated for launch on an Italian Space Agency satellite no earlier than late 2027. MAIA’s broader research program covers twelve global regions, including three U.S. cities—Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Boston—offering comparative insights for cities worldwide.