The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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ESA’s EarthCARE satellite carries four instruments, one of which is the cloud profiling radar provided by JAXA. The cloud profiling radar is a 94 GHz cloud radar with Doppler capability that provides vertical profiles of clouds to gain detailed insight into cloud structure. This large dish-like instrument is positioned on the front of the satellite. Stowed during liftoff, the radar opens like a door once the satellite is safely in orbit. During the satellite’s 12-month testing programme at ESA’s ESTEC Test Centre in the Netherlands, engineers tested this all-important deployment sequence.
EarthCARE will answer some critical scientific questions related to the role that clouds and aerosols play in reflecting incident solar radiation back out to space and trapping infrared radiation emitted from Earth’s surface.