Europe’s first step towards monitoring human-caused emissions
ldhoop
Fri, 18/07/2025 – 11:48
MicroCarb is a polar-orbiting satellite developed by CNES that will fly at around 650 km above Earth. Equipped with an infrared spectrometer, MicroCarb will analyse sunlight reflected from the Earth to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations at four specific wavelengths, allowing measurements with a precision of up to one part per million. © CNES/ill./SATTLER Oliver, 2021
Distinguishing between natural CO₂ absorption and human-caused emissions is crucial for understanding the carbon cycle, accurately attributing climate change, and developing effective climate policies.
Natural processes like forests and oceans absorb CO₂ as part of a balanced system, while human activities add excess CO₂, disrupting that balance. Separating these sources helps scientists’ model future climate scenarios, track the effectiveness of emission reduction efforts, and ensure accountability in meeting climate goals.
The CNES-led MicroCarb mission is Europe’s first satellite dedicated to mapping global carbon dioxide (CO₂) sources and sinks. Using a high-precision spectrometer, MicroCarb will help distinguish between natural absorption of CO₂ and emissions from human activities—crucial for climate science and policy.
The MicroCarb satellite is based on CNES’s Myriade platform. Its instrument was developed by Airbus Defence and Space, and integration was carried out by Thales Alenia Space UK with support from the UK Space Agency.
MicroCarb contributing to Copernicus
Although independent from the Copernicus upcoming CO2M mission—MicroCarb will play a vital role as Copernicus Contributing Mission by providing early observations to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, in particular the greenhouse gas monitoring products.
The expertise developed during MicroCarb’s commissioning and operational phases will directly contribute to the preparation of the Copernicus CO2M satellites, helping to optimise their launch and operations.
Together, MicroCarb and Copernicus CO2M will form part of an expanding international satellite network focused on monitoring greenhouse gases, enabling scientists to better understand their sources, sinks, and atmospheric movement.
Backed by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 programme, the MicroCarb mission received critical support through the In-Orbit Demonstration/Validation (IOD/IOV) initiative—an essential stepping stone for Europe’s space research and innovation community. Through the European Space Agency, the Commission funded the integration of a key data processing unit, a key element of MicrCarb ground segment, and secured launch services via Arianespace and the Vega-C rocket.
Tue, 22/07/2025 – 12:00