Mission Objectives
The Earth Clouds, Aerosols and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE) mission is a joint endeavor between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Its primary objectives are to:
- Investigate the clouds, aerosols, and radiation processes in Earth’s atmosphere
- Understand their interactions and impacts on weather, climate, and the environment
Mission Architecture
EarthCARE is designed to provide comprehensive observations of clouds, aerosols, and radiation:
- Atmospheric Lidar (ATLID): A high-spectral-resolution lidar to measure cloud and aerosol vertical profiles
- Multi-Angle SpectroPolarimetric Imager (MSPI): A passive imager to measure cloud, aerosol, and surface properties
- Broadband Radiometer (BBR): A radiometer to measure solar and thermal radiation at different wavelengths
- Cloud Profiling Radar (CPR): A radar to measure cloud vertical structure and precipitation
Mission Timeline
- 2004: Initial proposal
- 2014: Mission approved for development
- 2023: Scheduled launch date
- 2024-2033: Operational phase
Expected Scientific Contributions
EarthCARE’s observations will advance our understanding of:
- Cloud formation, evolution, and dissipation
- Aerosol transport and interactions with clouds
- Radiation budget and its variability
- Climate change and extreme weather events
Mission Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Satellite mass | 2.5 tons |
| Orbit | Sun-synchronous, 407 km altitude |
| Inclination | 96.6° |
| Lifetime | 7 years |
| Power | Solar panels generating 3 kW |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes EarthCARE unique?
A: EarthCARE combines active and passive instruments to provide comprehensive observations of clouds, aerosols, and radiation.
Q: How will EarthCARE data be used?
A: Data will be used for scientific research, climate modeling, and weather forecasting.
Q: When will EarthCARE data be available?
A: Data will be available to the public shortly after validation, typically within a few months after acquisition.
Q: How can I access EarthCARE data?
A: Data will be available through the ESA Earth Observation Data Access Portal.
Q: Is EarthCARE a collaboration between ESA and NASA?
A: No, EarthCARE is a collaboration between ESA and JAXA. NASA is not directly involved in the mission.
References
EarthCARE Mission Website
ESA Earth Observation Data Access Portal
Atmosphere Monitoring with EarthCARE
EarthCARE (Earth Clouds, Aerosols and Radiation Explorer) is a joint mission of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to study the Earth’s atmosphere. Launched in 2023, EarthCARE carries a suite of instruments designed to provide unprecedented observations of clouds, aerosols, and radiative fluxes.
The mission’s primary goal is to enhance our understanding of how these atmospheric components interact with each other and the Earth’s climate system. EarthCARE’s instruments include:
- A high-spectral-resolution cloud radar
- A broad-band atmospheric radar
- A multi-spectral imager
- Two broadband radiometers
These instruments work together to measure vertical profiles of cloud and aerosol properties, as well as incoming and outgoing solar and thermal radiation. The data collected by EarthCARE will be used to improve climate models, predict weather more accurately, and monitor changes in the Earth’s atmosphere over time.
EarthCARE Mission: Earth Observation
The EarthCARE mission is a joint endeavor between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to enhance our understanding of the role of clouds and aerosols in the Earth’s radiative balance. By combining multiple advanced instruments, EarthCARE will simultaneously observe vertical profiles of cloud and aerosol properties, as well as radiative fluxes at the top of the atmosphere. These comprehensive measurements will provide insights into the interactions between clouds, aerosols, and radiation, facilitating the development of more accurate climate models.
EarthCARE Satellite Data Applications
The EarthCARE satellite, with its unique combination of instruments, provides valuable data that contributes to a wide range of applications:
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Climate Research: EarthCARE data helps understand cloud and aerosol interactions, monitoring their impact on climate forcing, cloud formation, and precipitation processes.
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Weather Forecasting: By measuring cloud and aerosol properties, EarthCARE improves the accuracy of weather forecasts, contributing to better prediction of extreme events and severe weather conditions.
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Air Quality Monitoring: EarthCARE’s observations of atmospheric aerosols and cloud microphysics provide insights into air quality, particularly in regions with limited ground-based measurements.
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Water Resource Management: EarthCARE data on cloud properties and precipitation retrieval enables better water resource management by monitoring water vapor fluxes and characterizing extreme precipitation events.
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Environmental Monitoring: EarthCARE data supports environmental monitoring, detecting changes in vegetation and land-surface properties, assessing the impact of climate change on ecosystems.
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Education and Outreach: EarthCARE data and products are valuable resources for educational purposes, inspiring students and the public alike to engage with Earth science and environmental issues.
EarthCARE Mission Science Team
The EarthCARE Mission Science Team (MST) is responsible for the scientific objectives and requirements of the EarthCARE mission. The MST is composed of scientists from around the world who have expertise in atmospheric physics, remote sensing, and Earth system science. The MST is led by Dr. Martin Wirth from the German Aerospace Center (DLR).
The MST is responsible for the following tasks:
- Defining the mission science objectives and requirements
- Designing the mission instruments and observing strategy
- Developing the data processing and analysis algorithms
- Conducting the mission science research and publishing the results
The MST is supported by a number of working groups, which focus on specific aspects of the mission science. The working groups are led by scientists from the MST who have expertise in the relevant areas.
The EarthCARE MST is a diverse and experienced team of scientists who are committed to the success of the mission. The MST is working hard to ensure that the EarthCARE mission will provide valuable new insights into the Earth’s atmosphere and climate system.
EarthCARE Mission Launch Date
The Earth Clouds, Aerosols and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE) mission is scheduled to launch on 23 November 2023, from the Kourou launch site in French Guiana.
The mission, a collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), will study the interactions between clouds, aerosols, and radiation to improve our understanding of Earth’s climate system and its response to human activities.
EarthCARE will carry a suite of instruments, including a radar, a lidar, and a multispectral imager, to provide detailed observations of cloud and aerosol properties, atmospheric profiles, and radiative fluxes. These measurements will contribute to improving weather and climate forecasts, as well as our understanding of the role of clouds and aerosols in Earth’s energy balance.
EarthCARE Mission Objectives
The Earth Cloud Aerosol and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE) mission is a joint effort between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Its primary objectives are to:
- Measure the vertical structure of aerosols and clouds: This information will help scientists to better understand the interactions between clouds, aerosols, and the Earth’s radiation budget, which is crucial for predicting climate change.
- Quantify the radiative effects of aerosols and clouds: This data will help scientists to better understand how aerosols and clouds affect the Earth’s energy balance and climate.
- Investigate the role of aerosols and clouds in atmospheric dynamics: This information will help scientists to better understand how aerosols and clouds interact with the atmosphere and affect its circulation patterns.
EarthCARE will use a combination of active and passive instruments to collect its data. The active instruments will include a lidar, a radar, and a high-spectral-resolution imager. The passive instruments will include a multi-spectral imager and a broadband radiometer.
The mission is expected to launch in 2023 and will operate for at least three years. The data collected by EarthCARE will be used to improve climate models and to better predict the effects of climate change.
EarthCARE Mission Instruments
The EarthCARE mission employs a suite of advanced instruments to provide comprehensive observations of Earth’s atmosphere, clouds, and aerosols:
- ATMOS: Atmospheric Lidar: Utilizes a high-powered laser to measure vertical profiles of aerosols, clouds, and water vapor.
- CPR: Cloud Profiling Radar: Emits millimeter-wave radar pulses to determine cloud properties, such as height, thickness, and particle size.
- MWR: Microwave Radiometer: Measures the amount of microwave radiation emitted from Earth’s atmosphere to determine temperature, humidity, and water vapor.
- BSS: Backscatter Solar Sensor: Measures the amount of sunlight scattered by aerosols and clouds, providing information on their optical properties.
- ATLID: Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter Dem: Emits laser pulses to measure surface topography, facilitating the retrieval of cloud and aerosol heights.
- ECLAIR: Earth Cloud, Aerosol, and Radiation Explorer: A multi-wavelength imager that observes clouds, aerosols, and radiative processes over a wide spectral range.
Earth’s Atmosphere and EarthCARE Mission
The Earth’s atmosphere is a complex and dynamic system that plays a crucial role in regulating the planet’s climate and supporting life. It consists of various layers, each with distinct characteristics and interactions.
The EarthCARE mission, a joint effort between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), is designed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Earth’s atmosphere. Launched in 2023, the mission utilizes advanced instruments to measure and study the vertical structure of clouds, aerosols, and precipitation from space.
By combining data from its multi-wavelength cloud profiling radar, high-spectral-resolution lidar, and atmospheric imaging spectrometer, EarthCARE aims to:
- Investigate the role of clouds and aerosols in Earth’s energy budget and climate system
- Understand the formation, evolution, and distribution of clouds
- Characterize the properties and vertical profiles of aerosols
- Monitor the distribution and variability of precipitation and its impact on the water cycle
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