February 2, 2026 — The Jet Propulsion Laboratory within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is mirroring the same successful sensor data system used at the International Space Station (ISS) for use in marine environments that hold an estimated 8 million tons or more of plastic a year.
In late 2025, NASA scientists were able to successfully detect concentrations of plastic pollution on land for the first time, using a technology called “Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT)” sensors aboard the ISS. According to NASA, strong winds can blow mineral rock dust across continents, as dust trapped in the air can simultaneously heat or cool the Earth’s atmosphere. Mineral dust can also affect atmospheric chemistry, disrupting sunlight absorption and accelerating melting. It also affects human health and visibility.