SpaceX To Deliver The Japanese-European EarthCARE Satellite Into Space
A satellite that aims to study clouds to make more accurate weather forecasts and reliable climate predictions is preparing for launch. EarthCARE is set to launch into space on one of Elon Musk’s SpaceX rockets from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Its mission is to gather as much information as possible about clouds, including aerosols such as dust and smoke that play a role in cloud formation.
Scientists know how clouds form, but they have not yet been able to sufficiently understand the complex relationships that arise between clouds and the aerosols necessary for their formation. The EarthCARE (Earth Cloud Aerosol and Radiation Explorer) satellite, a joint project of European and Japanese scientists, will help answer some questions. Scientists will use EarthCARE data to study the relationship between clouds, aerosols and infrared radiation, which will help create more accurate climate models and forecasts.
The UK Space Agency (UKSA) has allocated around €120 million to finance the mission over 20 years. The satellite weighs just over two tons (2,200 kg) and is just over 17 meters long.
There are four instruments on board that will analyze clouds and their structure in detail, take pictures, and measure how much solar heat is retained by clouds.
