The satellite EarthCare is finally in orbit, ready to reveal the secrets of climate change. This mission, one of the most complex and ambitious in the history of Earth observation, is the result of collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japanese space agency JAXA.
EarthCare comes with four cutting-edge tools who will study clouds and aerosols, allowing us to better understand the mechanisms that regulate the Earth’s climate. Italy has made a significant contribution to this project thanks to the Space Agency Italian and national industry, in particular Leonardo. This agency made crucial components of two gods four on-board instruments, as well as solar panels and a special sensor to orient the satellite.
The launch took place with success from the Vandenberg base in California using a Falcon 9 rocket. After separating from the rocket, EarthCare it reached its intended orbit at approx 400 kilometers from the Earth’s surfacetransmitting the signal to the station Hartebeesthoek in South Africa.
EarthCare: latest generation tools for a critical mission
EarthCareacronym for EarthCloud Aerosol and Radiation Explorer, will use advanced technologies to measure the role of clouds and aerosols in warming and cooling the atmosphere. Among the on-board instruments we find:
- Radar to measure the speed of ascending and descending flow in clouds.
- Atmospheric lidarwhich uses a laser to profile thin clouds and aerosols.
- Multispectral imagerwhich captures images in different wavelengths.
- Broadband radiometerto measure reflected solar radiation and outgoing infrared radiation.
True to tradition, the Japanese nicknamed the satellite “Hakuryu,” meaning “White Dragon,” inspired by the satellite’s white appearance and its long-tail-like solar panel.
This mission comes in a moment crucial where it is fundamental advance our scientific knowledge to address climate change. The data collected by EarthCare they will allow improve the accuracy of global climate modelshelping us to better predict future climate and take necessary mitigation measures.
What do you think of this new step in understanding our climate? Leave a comment with your opinions!
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