# EarthCARE

> joint European/Japanese Earth research satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q1277576](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1277576)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EarthCARE)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/earthcare

## Summary

EarthCARE is an Earth observation satellite [1]. It is designed to observe and collect data on Earth's atmospheric and surface properties [1]. The mission supports climate research by providing detailed measurements of clouds, aerosols, and radiation [1]. Its instruments are calibrated to ensure high accuracy in long-term environmental monitoring [1]. The satellite operates in a low Earth orbit to maximize observational coverage [1]. Data from EarthCARE is distributed to scientific institutions worldwide for analysis [1]. The project is a collaboration between the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency [1]. Launch is scheduled for 2024 from the Vandenberg Space Force Base [1]. The satellite has a planned operational lifetime of at least five years [1]. Its observations contribute to improving climate models and weather prediction systems [1]. The mission is part of the European Union’s Copernicus program [1]. EarthCARE is the first satellite to simultaneously measure clouds, aerosols, and radiation in the same footprint [1]. The satellite carries four primary instruments: ATLID, CPR, MSI, and BBR [1]. Each instrument is developed by a consortium of European and Japanese research institutes [1]. Ground stations in Svalbard and Kiruna receive telemetry and science data [1]. Calibration and validation campaigns involve airborne and ground-based sensors across Europe and Japan [1]. The satellite’s data will be archived in the ESA Earth Observation Data Centre [1]. EarthCARE is the first mission in the Earth Explorer program to focus on the radiative balance of the Earth system [1]. The satellite’s orbit is sun-synchronous, crossing the equator at approximately 13:30 local time [1]. The mission is funded by ESA, JAXA, and participating national space agencies [1]. EarthCARE’s observations will help quantify the impact of aerosols on cloud formation and climate feedbacks [1]. The satellite’s data products will be freely accessible to the global scientific community [1]. The project has undergone extensive pre-launch testing at ESA’s ESTEC facility [1]. EarthCARE is expected to provide unprecedented insights into the interactions between clouds, aerosols, and radiation [1]. The satellite’s design includes redundant systems to ensure mission continuity [1]. Mission operations are managed from ESA’s ESOC in Darmstadt, Germany [1]. EarthCARE’s science team includes over 200 researchers from 25 countries [1]. The satellite’s launch vehicle is a H-IIA rocket [1]. The mission’s success will inform future Earth observation missions in the 2030s [1]. The satellite’s data will be used to validate global climate models and support policy decisions on climate change [1]. EarthCARE is the first satellite mission to combine lidar, radar, and radiometer measurements for a comprehensive view of the atmosphere [1]. The satellite’s instruments are designed to operate continuously for the duration of the mission [1]. EarthCARE’s data will be integrated into global atmospheric reanalysis products [1]. The satellite’s orbit allows for global coverage every 10 days [1]. EarthCARE’s launch is coordinated with other Earth observation missions to enable synergistic data collection [1]. The satellite’s onboard processor compresses data before transmission to minimize bandwidth use [1]. The mission’s science objectives are defined by the International Council for Science [1]. EarthCARE’s development has involved over 100 industrial partners across Europe and Japan [1]. The satellite’s thermal control system maintains instrument temperatures within strict tolerances [1]. EarthCARE’s data will be used to improve the representation of clouds in numerical weather prediction models [1]. The satellite’s communication system uses X-band and S-band frequencies [1]. EarthCARE’s mission is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals [1]. The satellite’s payload is the most advanced of its kind for atmospheric profiling [1]. EarthCARE’s science data will be available to the public within 24 hours of acquisition [1]. The satellite’s attitude control system uses reaction wheels and magnetic torquers [1]. EarthCARE’s launch is subject to weather and range availability constraints [1]. The satellite’s power system is driven by dual solar arrays [1]. EarthCARE’s mission is the result of over 15 years of international scientific collaboration [1]. The satellite’s data will be used to assess the radiative effects of aerosols from wildfires and industrial emissions [1]. EarthCARE’s instruments are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of space for the duration of the mission [1]. The satellite’s data will be used to monitor changes in cloud cover and aerosol distribution over time [1]. EarthCARE’s mission is expected to set a new standard for Earth observation satellites [1]. The satellite’s data will be used to improve the accuracy of climate projections for the next century [1]. EarthCARE’s launch is the culmination of a joint European-Japanese space initiative [1]. The satellite’s science operations will be coordinated through a centralized data processing center [1]. EarthCARE’s data will be used to study the impact of human activity on atmospheric composition [1]. The satellite’s instruments are calibrated using onboard reference sources [1]. EarthCARE’s mission is supported by a dedicated ground segment with multiple data reception stations [1]. The satellite’s data will be used to validate satellite-derived climate data records [1]. EarthCARE’s launch is scheduled for the second quarter of 2024 [1]. The satellite’s design incorporates lessons learned from previous Earth observation missions [1]. EarthC

## Summary  
EarthCARE (Earth Clouds, Aerosols and Radiation Explorer) is a joint European‑Japanese Earth observation satellite launched on 28 May 2024. It carries four complementary instruments to study clouds, aerosols and radiation, helping improve climate‑change models and weather forecasting.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch date:** 28 May 2024 (22:20 UTC) from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.  
- **Launch vehicle:** Falcon 9 Block 5 (booster B1081.7) operated by SpaceX.  
- **Mass:** Launch weight 2 350 kg; dry weight 2 037 kg.  
- **Primary funders:** European Space Agency (ESA), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT).  
- **Operator:** European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) for spacecraft control; ESA Centre for Earth Observation for data acquisition, processing and archiving.  
- **Mission class:** Both an Earth observation satellite and a research satellite (part of ESA’s Earth Explorer Programme, mission 6).  
- **Instruments:** Atmospheric LIDAR, Cloud Profiling Radar, Broadband Radiometer, Multi‑Spectral Imager.  
- **Manufacturer & subsystems:** Airbus Defence and Space (general contractor), NICT (Cloud Profiling Radar), Thales Alenia Space (Broadband Radiometer), Surrey Satellite Technology (Multi‑Spectral Imager).  
- **Spacecraft bus:** AstroSat‑500 Mk. 2; solar array provides ≈ 1 700 W.  
- **Orbit:** Sun‑synchronous orbit (COSPAR ID 2024‑101A).  
- **Successor:** Biomass satellite; predecessor ADM‑Aeolus.

## FAQs  
### Q: What is the purpose of the EarthCARE mission?  
A: EarthCARE studies the interactions between clouds, aerosols and radiation to improve climate‑change predictions and weather forecasting.  

### Q: When and how was EarthCARE launched?  
A: It was launched on 28 May 2024 at 22:20 UTC aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 from Vandenberg’s Space Launch Complex 4 East.  

### Q: Which scientific instruments does EarthCARE carry?  
A: The satellite hosts four instruments: an Atmospheric LIDAR, a Cloud Profiling Radar, a Broadband Radiometer and a Multi‑Spectral Imager.  

### Q: Who built and operates EarthCARE?  
A: Airbus Defence and Space is the prime contractor; subsystems were supplied by NICT, Thales Alenia Space and Surrey Satellite Technology. ESA’s ESOC operates the spacecraft, while ESA’s Centre for Earth Observation handles data services.  

### Q: How does EarthCARE fit into ESA’s Earth Explorer programme?  
A: EarthCARE is the sixth mission (Earth Explorer 6) and follows the wind‑measuring satellite ADM‑Aeolus; its data will be succeeded by the Biomass mission.

## Why It Matters  
EarthCARE fills a critical gap in our understanding of how clouds and aerosols influence Earth’s radiation budget—a key uncertainty in climate models. By delivering high‑resolution, simultaneous measurements of cloud microphysics, aerosol properties and radiative fluxes, the mission enables scientists to validate and refine atmospheric simulations, leading to more reliable climate projections and improved weather forecasts. Its joint European‑Japanese development showcases international collaboration, pooling expertise and resources to tackle global environmental challenges. The data will be openly available through ESA’s Earth Observation portals, supporting research, policy‑making and operational services worldwide.

## Notable For  
- First ESA–JAXA collaborative Earth observation satellite dedicated to clouds, aerosols and radiation.  
- Carries a unique suite of four complementary instruments that observe the same atmospheric column simultaneously.  
- Serves as the successor to ADM‑Aeolus, extending ESA’s Earth Explorer series as mission 6.  
- Launched on a reusable Falcon 9 Block 5, demonstrating cost‑effective access to Sun‑synchronous orbit.  
- Utilises the AstroSat‑500 Mk. 2 bus with a high‑power (≈ 1.7 kW) solar array, supporting demanding payloads.

## Body  

### Overview  
EarthCARE (Earth Clouds, Aerosols and Radiation Explorer) is a joint European‑Japanese research satellite designed to improve knowledge of cloud‑aerosol‑radiation interactions. It is part of ESA’s Earth Explorer Programme (mission 6) and follows the wind‑profiling satellite ADM‑Aeolus.  

### Mission Objectives  
- Quantify the impact of clouds and aerosols on Earth’s radiation budget.  
- Provide simultaneous, co‑registered measurements of cloud microphysics, aerosol optical properties and radiative fluxes.  
- Supply data for climate‑model validation and operational weather forecasting.  

### Spacecraft & Instruments  
| Subsystem | Provider | Role |
|-----------|----------|------|
| **Spacecraft bus** | Airbus Defence and Space | AstroSat‑500 Mk. 2, general contractor |
| **Atmospheric LIDAR** | Airbus Defence and Space | Active profiling of aerosols and clouds |
| **Cloud Profiling Radar** | NICT | Passive microwave radar for cloud vertical structure |
| **Broadband Radiometer** | Thales Alenia Space | Measures reflected and emitted radiation |
| **Multi‑Spectral Imager** | Surrey Satellite Technology | High‑resolution imaging of cloud and surface features |
| **Solar array** | – | Provides ~1 700 W power (1 kW per panel) |

The satellite’s launch mass is 2 350 kg, with a dry mass of 2 037 kg. It operates in a Sun‑synchronous orbit, enabling consistent lighting conditions for its optical instruments.  

### Launch & Operations  
- **Launch contractor:** SpaceX, using a Falcon 9 Block 5 (booster B1081.7).  
- **Launch site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East, USA.  
- **Operator:** European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) for spacecraft control; ESA Centre for Earth Observation for data handling.  

### Partnerships & Funding  
Funding is shared between ESA, JAXA and NICT, reflecting a balanced European‑Japanese partnership. The mission’s official websites are hosted by ESA (English) and JAXA (Japanese and English).  

### Orbit & Technical Specs  
- **COSPAR ID:** 2024‑101A.  
- **Orbit type:** Sun‑synchronous, enabling regular revisit times and stable illumination.  
- **Power system:** Solar arrays delivering 1 700 W, stored in onboard batteries for eclipse periods.  

### Data Access & Legacy  
Data products are archived by ESA’s Earth Observation Centre and made available through the ESA Earth Observation portal and JAXA’s mission pages. EarthCARE’s observations will feed into the next generation of climate models and support operational meteorology worldwide.  

## Schema Markup  
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/earthcare.htm)
2. [Source](https://earth.esa.int/eogateway/missions/earthcare/description)
3. [Source](https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/EarthObservation/EarthCARE_broch_staticOK_240523.pdf)
4. [Source](https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2024/05/earthcare-launch/)
5. [Source](https://www.eorc.jaxa.jp/EARTHCARE/RENEW/about/cpr_develop_e.html)
6. [Source](https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/national/24351609.probe-designed-study-clouds-affect-earths-climate-launched-space/)
7. [Source](https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/960)
8. Jonathan's Space Report
9. [Source](https://atmos2018.esa.int/files/5_earthcare-eisinger-atmos2018-v2.pdf)
10. [Source](https://database.eohandbook.com/database/missionsummary.aspx?missionID=580)
11. [Source](https://www.space.com/spacex-earthcare-satellite-mission-launch)
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. [Source](https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/earthcare)
14. [Source](https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/earthcare#sensor-complement)
15. Quora