As efforts to combat climate change continue to grow, accurately identifying the sources of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions has become more critical than ever before
One of the biggest challenges in this plan is distinguishing between CO₂ that is naturally absorbed by forests and oceans, and the CO₂ that is emitted by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and industrial processes.
To address this, Europe has launched its first satellite dedicated to monitoring global CO₂ sources and sinks. Named MicroCarb, this mission makes a strong step forward in climate science and emissions accountability.
A high-tech tool for climate monitoring
MicroCarb is led by CNES, the French space agency, and is equipped with a high-precision spectrometer that can detect CO₂ concentrations in the atmosphere with complete accuracy.
The MicroCarb satellite is designed to map both the sources where CO₂ is emitted and the sinks where natural systems, such as forests and oceans, absorb it.
Built on CNES’s Myriade platform, the MicroCarb satellite benefits from the collaboration of several European partners. Airbus Defence and Space developed the spectrometer, while Thales Alenia Space UK completed satellite integration, backed by the UK Space Agency.
By working together, this collaboration highlights Europe’s growing expertise and commitment to space-based climate observation.
Supporting the Copernicus climate network
Although separate from the Copernicus CO2 Monitoring (CO2M) mission, MicroCarb complements it well. As a Copernicus Contributing Mission, it will deliver early data to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, which is used to produce essential greenhouse gas tracking products for Europe.
The insights and operational experience gained from MicroCarb’s mission will directly inform the development and optimisation of the upcoming Copernicus CO2M satellites. Together, these missions will help form a broader international network of satellites focused on monitoring greenhouse gases, a vital resource for scientists and policymakers worldwide.
Backed by European innovation programs
The MicroCarb mission received funding from the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. It also benefited from the In-Orbit Demonstration/Validation (IOD/IOV) initiative, which helps bring innovative space technologies into operation.
The European Space Agency played a crucial role in enabling the MicroCarb satellite’s operations by funding the integration of an essential data processing unit for the MicroCarb ground segment. The mission’s launch was also secured through Arianespace using the Vega-C rocket, further reinforcing Europe’s autonomous capabilities in space access and climate observation.
The future of climate accountability
By providing precise, independent data on CO₂ emissions and absorption, MicroCarb will help improve scientific models used to predict future climate scenarios and track progress towards climate goals. This information is vital for assessing the effectiveness of international agreements and emission reduction policies.
Overall, MicroCarb is essential in Europe’s efforts to improve climate transparency and accountability. As climate change continues to be a global challenge, missions like MicroCarb will play a crucial role in understanding and managing Earth’s changing atmosphere.
