EarthCARE satellite launched into space to study the effect of clouds on climate earth.esa.int

EarthCARE satellite launched into space to study the effect of clouds on climate

Anna Velyka

It will also measure radiation emitted from the Earth's surface and atmosphere

On May 29, the European-Japanese EarthCARE satellite went into Earth orbit. It will help scientists to study clouds and their impact on climate change.

This was announced by SpaceX, whose Falcon 9 rocket delivered the device into space.

The 2.3-tonne satellite was developed by the European Space Agency in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency JAXA. It uses laser and radar to study the atmosphere. The device will collect data on the formation of clouds, aerosols and radiation from the surface and atmosphere of the Earth. The project, in which the UK plays a significant role, aims to provide vital information to tackle global warming.

As you know, some low-level clouds cool the planet, while others act like blankets at high altitudes. This is one of the big uncertainties in computer models used to predict climate change from rising greenhouse gases.

Scientists predict that cloud cover will decrease in the future, which will lead to clouds reflecting less sunlight into space, more will be absorbed by the Earth's surface, and this will increase global warming.

The huge technical challenge was getting all the tools to work as intended. It took 20 years from mission approval to launch.

Previously, EcoPolitic published photo of space debris, which was taken by a Japanese satellite during a space “cleanup” mission.

Related
In 2024, almost half of the world's unprecedented weather phenomena occurred in Europe
In 2024, almost half of the world's unprecedented weather phenomena occurred in Europe

Researchers have warned that some of the effects of the planet's heating will be unpreventable for hundreds of years

Football club "submerges" its name under water to draw attention to global warming
Football club "submerges" its name under water to draw attention to global warming

Football is a powerful communication tool that can raise awareness of pressing issues among millions of people

Trump administration bans "climate crisis" and "clean energy"
Trump administration bans "climate crisis" and "clean energy"

While every administration adjusts official language to reflect its political views, the scale and direction of these changes under the current president are particularly noticeable

The US withdraws from the UN fund to compensate for climate change damage
The US withdraws from the UN fund to compensate for climate change damage

Climate-related programs are being scaled back both internationally and domestically