MicroCarb
Overview
MicroCarb will map the sources and sinks of carbon dioxide on Earth’s surface. It is a collaboration between the UK and France and it will guarantee carbon dioxide global monitoring continuity. It's objective's are to characterise the Earth's carbon dioxide natural fluxes and identify both natural and human-made emissions. It will gauge how much carbon is being absorbed by oceans and forests, the main sinks on the planet, and emitted by natural processes and human activities.RAL Space involvement
Design, development and test of the pointing and calibration system (PCS). Design and manufacture of satellite multilayer insulation. Provided a clean room to TAS UK for the assembly integration and test phase for the final satellite build.
MicroCarb's Pointing and Calibration System, imaged before being integrated to the satellite. Credit: STFC RAL Space
Highlight
MicroCarb's Pointing and Calibration System (PCS)
Orbiting 650km above Earth, MicroCarb will use city-scanning technology to map CO₂ emissions across urban areas at 2km x 2km resolution – a level of detail never before achieved from space. This precision is crucial for understanding emissions from cities, which are responsible for over 70% of global CO₂ output.
This capability is supported by the satellite’s Pointing and Calibration System (PCS), designed, developed, and tested at RAL Space. This critical component steers the satellite’s view to allow scanning of specific locations, whilst providing necessary on-board calibration to ensure highly precise measurements throughout the mission’s lifetime.
