# Methane Remote Sensing Lidar Mission

> planned joint French and German remote sensing satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q10928755](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q10928755)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/methane-remote-sensing-lidar-mission

## Summary
The Methane Remote Sensing Lidar Mission (MERLIN) is a planned joint French and German remote sensing satellite designed for Earth observation, intended to monitor methane emissions from space.

## Key Facts
- It is a planned joint French and German remote sensing satellite
- Launch weight: 430 kilograms
- Operated by the French space agency (CNES) and German Aerospace Center
- Scheduled for launch in 2028 (no earlier than)
- Manufacturer: Airbus Defence and Space
- Design service life: 3 years
- Will operate in Sun-synchronous orbit
- Spacecraft bus: Myriade (Evolution) model
- Powered by two spacecraft solar arrays

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of the Methane Remote Sensing Lidar Mission?
A: The mission is designed to monitor methane emissions from Earth's surface using remote sensing technology.

### Q: Which countries are involved in this satellite project?
A: The project is a joint effort between France and Germany, with the French space agency (CNES) and German Aerospace Center as operators.

### Q: When is the planned launch date for this satellite?
A: The launch is scheduled for 2028, with the specific date being no earlier than that year.

## Why It Matters
The Methane Remote Sensing Lidar Mission represents an important advancement in Earth observation technology, addressing the critical need to monitor methane emissions from space. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential approximately 28 times greater than CO2 over a 100-year period. Current ground-based monitoring methods have limitations in coverage and accuracy. This satellite mission will provide systematic, global observations of methane sources and sinks, helping scientists better understand anthropogenic and natural methane emissions. The mission's remote sensing approach using lidar technology will enable high-resolution measurements of methane concentrations from orbit, complementing existing ground-based and airborne monitoring systems. By providing comprehensive, long-term data on methane distribution, the mission will support climate change research, help identify major emission hotspots, and inform policy decisions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

## Notable For
- It will be the first dedicated satellite mission specifically designed to monitor methane emissions globally
- The mission uses lidar technology to provide vertical profiling of atmospheric methane concentrations
- It represents a collaborative effort between French and German space agencies to address climate change monitoring
- The spacecraft will operate from Sun-synchronous orbit, providing consistent overpasses
- It will utilize the Myriade spacecraft bus, which is a versatile platform for small to medium-sized Earth observation missions

## Body
### Technical Specifications
The Methane Remote Sensing Lidar Mission (MERLIN) is designed as an Earth observation satellite with a launch weight of 430 kilograms. It will be manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space and will utilize the Myriade (Evolution) spacecraft bus. The satellite will be powered by two spacecraft solar arrays, providing the necessary energy for its operations. The mission is scheduled to have a design service life of 3 years.

### Mission Operations
Operating from Sun-synchronous orbit, the satellite will use lidar technology to measure methane concentrations in the atmosphere. The joint French-German collaboration involves CNES (Centre National d'Études Spatiales) and the German Aerospace Center as operators. The launch is planned for 2028, with the specific date being no earlier than that year.

### Scientific Objectives
The primary scientific objective of the MERLIN mission is to provide systematic, global observations of methane emissions from Earth's surface. By measuring methane concentrations with high spatial and temporal resolution, the mission will help identify major emission sources and track changes over time. The data collected will be valuable for climate research, environmental monitoring, and policy development related to greenhouse gas mitigation.

### Collaboration
The mission represents a significant international collaboration between French and German space agencies. CNES, the French space agency, and the German Aerospace Center will jointly operate the satellite. This partnership leverages the complementary expertise of both nations in space technology and Earth observation, ensuring the mission's success and maximizing scientific return.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/merlin.htm)
2. [Source](https://www.dlr.de/de/ar/themen-missionen/erde-klima/klima/merlin)
3. [Source](https://cnes.fr/projets/merlin)