The Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment I (SAGE I) was launched February 18, 1979, aboard the Applications Explorer Mission-B (AEM-B) satellite. SAGE I was a sun photometer that used solar occultation to measure aerosols and important stratospheric gases in the atmosphere. SAGE I collected valuable data for nearly three years until the power system on the satellite failed.

SAGE I developed a global database for stratospheric aerosol, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide that is still used in the study of trends, atmospheric dynamics and transport, and potential climatic effects.

While SAGE I was active, it provided the scientific community with a global depiction of the distribution of aerosol, ozone and nitrogen dioxide. Using these models of distribution, SAGE I contributed unique and crucial input to the understanding of global, seasonal and inter-annual variability in climate and, in particular, trends in stratospheric ozone. SAGE I is a predecessor to the SAGE III Mission, which is continuing the valuable research of the SAGE Program.�