ESA's EarthCARE launched - cloud - aerosol mission

ESA’s EarthCARE launched – cloud and aerosol mission

ESA’s EarthCARE launched

ESA’s EarthCARE satellite lifted off on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, US, on 29 May at 00:20 CEST (28 May, 15:20 local time).

Developed as a cooperation between ESA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The Earth Cloud Aerosol and Radiation Explorer satellite carries a set of four instruments to make a range of different measurements. Together shed new light on the role that clouds and aerosols play in regulating Earth’s climate.

The Earth Cloud Aerosol and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE) satellite mission designed to make a range of different measurements that together will shed new light on the role that clouds and aerosols play in regulating Earth’s climate.

Cloud profiling radar

Provided by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The cloud profiling radar is a key instrument that enables EarthCARE to observe the internal structure of clouds. This radar essential for studying cloud processes. Such as the formation and dissipation of clouds. Contributes valuable data for improving weather and climate models.

Atmospheric lidar

The atmospheric lidar is an advanced lidar (light detection and ranging) system designed to measure the vertical profile of aerosols and clouds in Earth’s atmosphere along the EarthCARE track.

Multispectral imager

While the lidar and radar provide profiles of the atmosphere in a rather thin curtain directly underneath the satellite, EarthCARE’s multispectral imager provides a much wider field of view to give context to the profile measurements.

Broadband radiometer

The broadband radiometer plays a crucial role in the mission by measuring the radiative fluxes at the top of Earth’s atmosphere. As the satellite travels along its orbit, the radiometer views the atmosphere from three directions, allowing it to accurately quantify the amount of reflected solar radiation and the outgoing thermal radiation emitted by Earth.