EarthCARE

EarthCARE, short for Earth Cloud, Aerosol and Radiation Explorer, is a joint Earth observation satellite mission developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The mission is designed to study the interactions between clouds, aerosols and radiation in Earth’s atmosphere using advanced radar, lidar and imaging instruments. EarthCARE supports climate research and weather forecasting by improving understanding of atmospheric processes, cloud formation, radiation balance and the role of aerosols in climate change.

Satellite Image: A green phytoplankton bloom in the Gulf of Finland (August 9, 2022)
Satellites miss most extreme changes in ocean phytoplanktonScience

Satellites miss most extreme changes in ocean phytoplankton

CU Boulder researchers developed a modelling tool that captures ocean phytoplankton biomass extremes beyond the reach of conventional satellite observations. Summary: Satellite monitoring can fail…
SourceSourceOctober 3, 2026 Full article
Image: ground station of the European research infrastructure ACTRIS
EarthCARE’s lidar provides new insights into atmospheric particlesScience

EarthCARE’s lidar provides new insights into atmospheric particles

First results and ground campaigns enhance data accuracy The European Space Agency's (ESA) EarthCARE satellite, launched in May 2024, has now fully activated its atmospheric…
Adrian AlexandreAdrian AlexandreSeptember 16, 2024 Full article
Image: Artist's view of EarthCARE satellite on board a Falcon 9 launch vehicle
EarthCARE satellite to probe how clouds affect climateNewsClimate

EarthCARE satellite to probe how clouds affect climate

Vandenberg Air Force Base, United States | AFP A rocket carrying a sophisticated satellite blasted off Tuesday from California on a mission to investigate what…
SourceSourceMay 29, 2024 Full article
Image: EarthCARE over Europe
Satellite to unravel how clouds impact future climate changeClimate

Satellite to unravel how clouds impact future climate change

A brand new satellite that will revolutionise our understanding of the role clouds and aerosol particles play in climate change is set to launch after…
SourceSourceMay 21, 2024 Full article