The UK Space Agency has provided a £15m investment for the MicroCarb satellite, a joint initiative from Britain and France to monitor climate data.
Launched over the weekend via the Vega-C rocket from French Guiana, the MicroCarb has become Europe’s first dedicated carbon dioxide monitoring satellite in what the UK Space Agency has described as a “major milestone in the global fight against climate change”.
MicroCarb will use new “city-scanning technology” to map carbon emissions across urban environments in a level of detail never before achieved from space.
“This groundbreaking mission is proof of what can be achieved when we harness the strength of Britain’s burgeoning space industry, together with our deep scientific expertise,” said UK Space Minister Chris Bryant.
“It’s also further evidence of the value of our deep and unique relationship with France: a partnership which the Prime Minister reinforced, with President Macron, at the UK-France Summit earlier this month.”
The satellite was developed as a collaborative effort between scientists and industry, bringing together staff from the National Physical Laboratory, Thales Alenia Space, GMV UK, Capgemini, the National Centre for Earth Observation and the University of Edinburgh.
“Satellites like MicroCarb are our eyes in the sky. Over half of the critical data we use to understand climate change comes from space, and MicroCarb’s successful launch is a major leap forward in our ability to track carbon emissions and absorption with unprecedented accuracy, from the world’s cities to its forests and oceans,” said Dr Paul Bate, chief executive of the UK Space Agency.
“Backed by UK and French investment and expertise, it’s a proud moment for both our space sectors and a powerful example of international collaboration in action.”
Register for Free
Bookmark your favorite posts, get daily updates, and enjoy an ad-reduced experience.
Already have an account? Log in
