MICROCARB PROJECT: ATMOSPHERIC CO2 MONITORING WITH A MICROSATELLITE

The continuous increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere due to human activities since the beginning of the industrial era, is clearly identified as the origin of the climate change. Carbon Dioxide is the most impacting green-house gas, but exchange processes from sources and sinks are complex and still poorly known. A continuous monitoring of CO2 atmospheric concentration is therefore necessary to improve our understanding of the carbon cycle. A space system can provide a global coverage with a unique instrument.

MicroCarb, first European satellite mission dedicated to CO2, aims at demonstrating the feasibility of a future low-cost operational fleet of small satellites. It will measure CO2 atmospheric concentration all around the world from a low Earth orbit, allowing to estimate the sources and sinks, with a high level of performances.

MicroCarb microsatellite (< 200kg) is based on the generic CNES Myriade platform, with enhanced capacities, and uses a very compact high resolution spectrometer that measures the sunlight reflected by the Earth in 4 SWIR O2 and CO2 absorption bands. It allows a wide range of viewing strategies including many calibration modes.

The development is conducted by CNES with European partners (UKSA, EUMETSAT, AERIS atmospheric pole) and the launch is targeted for 2021.

The presentation will describe the scientific objectives, the organization and actors of the program, a technical overview of the satellite with a focus on the original and innovative aspects, and will conclude with a project progress status.