The MicroCarb satellite, a collaborative effort between the UK Space Agency and the French space agency CNES, launched into orbit in July 2025. This mission aims to measure carbon sources and sinks, providing a better understanding of the drivers of climate change.
MicroCarb is the first European mission specifically designed to characterise greenhouse gas fluxes on Earth's surface. It will gauge the amount of carbon absorbed by oceans and forests, which are considered the planet's main sinks. The satellite will orbit at an altitude of 650km, repeating its observation and measurement cycle every 21 days.
The mission will collect more precise data on CO2 emissions than previous missions, becoming part of an international greenhouse gas monitoring network. This data is expected to improve the understanding and monitoring of the natural carbon cycle and emissions from human activity. MicroCarb will also monitor international progress towards meeting the Paris Agreement.
The satellite carries an infrared spectrometer to measure O2 and CO2 concentrations at four different spectral bands in sunlight reflected off the Earth. Its city-scan observing capability will map atmospheric CO2 over cities, offering insights for urban planning. The UK Space Agency's £15 million investment has enabled UK industry and scientists, including STFC RAL Space and the National Physical Laboratory, to contribute significantly to the mission.