MERLIN: A franco-german MISSION to perform an innovative spaceborne measurement of ATMOSPHERIC methane

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas. The MEthane Remote sensing LIdar missioN (MERLIN) will demonstrate the first active measurement of atmospheric methane from space.
The main scientific objective of MERLIN is the delivery of methane dry-air mixing ratio columns (XCH4) for all latitudes and throughout the year, with unprecedented small systematic errors. This will significantly improve surface methane flux estimates and the identification of methane sources on global and regional scales.

MERLIN is a joint French and German space mission, with a launch currently scheduled for mid-2024.
DLR-RFM is responsible for the design and development of the payload, an IPDA (Integrated Path Differential Absorption) LIDAR (LIght Detecting And Ranging). CNES is responsible for the overall mission system and for the design and the integration of the satellite. The platform is based on the new MYRIADE Evolutions product line for small satellites, an enhanced version of the MYRIADE platform used on a wide range of scientific and institutional missions. CNES, with DLR-RFM contribution, is also responsible for system performances and for the development of the mission ground segment in charge of scientific product generation and distribution, while expertise is shared between French and German centers.

The presentation will highlight the scientific objectives of the MERLIN mission and their significance in the current global warming context. It will detail the project organization and satellite key aspects, as well as the target performances and associated challenges. A focus will then be made on the current development status and expected mission schedule.