# Leibniz Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP)

**Type:** Research institution  
**Location:** Germany  
**Focus:** Atmospheric physics, mesosphere/thermosphere research, LIDAR-based atmospheric monitoring

## Overview

The Leibniz Institute of Atmospheric Physics is a leading European atmospheric research center specializing in upper atmosphere physics and remote sensing technologies.

## Key Research

### Satellite Reentry Atmospheric Pollution Detection (2026)

Research team led by Robin Wing achieved the first direct empirical detection of satellite reentry atmospheric pollution using ground-based LIDAR systems. The team detected a 10× background lithium plume at 100km altitude from a SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage reentry, published in *Communications Earth & Environment* (Nature portfolio journal) in February 2026.

**Methodology:**
- Ground-based LIDAR measuring fluorescence of trace metals in mesosphere/thermosphere
- Trajectory tracking to correlate atmospheric signatures with specific reentry events
- Real-time detection capability for spacecraft combustion products

**Significance:**
- First real-time observational evidence linking specific spacecraft reentry to measurable atmospheric chemical signature
- Methodologically novel combination of LIDAR sensitivity, trajectory analysis, and event correlation
- Closes evidentiary loop from atmospheric modeling to direct observation

## Timeline

- **2026-02-19** — Published first direct empirical detection of satellite reentry atmospheric pollution (lithium plume from Falcon 9 upper stage) in *Communications Earth & Environment*