Validation and support of space-based measurements with the Pandonia Global Network of ground-based spectrometers

Since 2019 the NASA Pandora and ESA Pandonia projects have been collaborating to coordinate and facilitate the expansion of a global network of ground-based spectrometers to support space-based measurements of trace gases relevant to air quality (NO2, O3, HCHO, SO2, …). This network of standardized, calibrated Pandora instruments, the Pandonia Global Network (PGN, https://www.pandonia-global-network.org), is focused on providing data needed to help validate satellite measurements and to contribute to scientific studies of air quality.  As of January 2024, the PGN is comprised of 158 official sites in 34 countries. This presentation will describe recent efforts to expand and improve the network to support the increased capability and complexity of space-based measurements. Collaborative efforts by partner agencies, especially the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Korean National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), and new programs such as the Increasing Participation in Minority Serving Institutions (IPMSI) and Satellite Needs Working Group (SNWG) have accelerated the growth of the PGN, providing greater global coverage and allowing improved data products.  With these improvements and continued input from other suborbital assets, the PGN is well positioned to facilitate the interpretation and validation of high spatial resolution and diurnal measurements provided by the newest orbiting and geostationary satellite instruments.