London, England – A groundbreaking joint European-Japanese satellite has been successfully launched to study the impact of clouds on the Earth’s climate. The unique Earthcare mission aims to use advanced laser and radar technology to analyze how different types of clouds affect the planet’s temperature balance.

Clouds play a critical role in the climate system, with low-level clouds cooling the Earth while high-altitude clouds act as an insulating blanket. By measuring cloud cover and the reflection of sunlight back into space, scientists hope to gain a better understanding of how clouds influence global warming.

Dr. Robin Hogan from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts highlighted the importance of studying cloud behavior, especially in the context of climate change. Many climate models suggest that as cloud cover decreases, more sunlight will be absorbed at the Earth’s surface, amplifying the warming effect of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.

The Earthcare satellite, weighing 2.3 tonnes, was launched from California on a SpaceX rocket, marking a significant milestone for the European Space Agency (ESA). This mission is described as ESA’s most complex Earth observation venture to date, with the project spanning over 20 years from approval to launch.

One of the key instruments onboard Earthcare is an ultraviolet laser from Europe that can accurately detect high clouds and aerosols in the atmosphere. Additionally, a Japanese radar will provide insights into cloud precipitation and water content, crucial for understanding how clouds contribute to the Earth’s energy balance.

Aside from its long-term climate research goals, Earthcare’s data will also be used to improve weather forecasting accuracy. By monitoring cloud development and behavior, scientists hope to enhance their ability to predict and track weather patterns, such as storms.

Professor Anthony Illingworth from Reading University, the mastermind behind Earthcare’s original concept, expressed his delight at seeing the satellite come to life after years of dedication from scientists and engineers worldwide. The mission faced technical challenges along the way, including the development of a space laser that could operate reliably in the vacuum environment.

As Earthcare embarks on its mission to study and analyze clouds from its orbit 400km above Earth’s surface, it is poised to revolutionize our understanding of the planet’s climate dynamics. With a lifespan limited by its low orbit, the satellite will play a crucial role in advancing climate science and weather prediction capabilities globally.

The Japanese space agency, JAXA, has given the mission the nickname “Hakuryu,” or “White Dragon,” reflecting the satellite’s appearance and its significance in studying the Earth’s atmosphere. In Japanese mythology, dragons symbolize wisdom and power, aligning with the mission’s goal of unlocking the mysteries of cloud behavior and climate change.