EarthCARE facts and figures

The EarthCARE satellite carries four instruments for observations of clouds and aerosols with four synergistic sensing methodologies.

The instruments provide key measurements to answer 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.

EarthCARE orbits Earth at an altitude of around 393 km. The altitude needs to be as low as possible to optimise the use of the lidar and radar, but not too low where atmospheric drag would impact fuel consumption and the life of the mission.

Since global coverage is required, EarthCARE’s orbit is near-polar. It crosses the equator in the early afternoon, providing optimal illumination and minimal sun glint for the passive instruments. With two active instruments on board, the radar and the lidar, the system’s power demand is significant. 

The satellite weighs 2200 kg including fuel.