Imagine having a high-tech camera in space that can 'see' invisible clouds of CO2 and methane leaking from factories or cities. This project is building a fleet of small satellites that act like a global security system for the atmosphere, taking snapshots twice a day. It helps us spot exactly where pollution is coming from so we can stop it faster.
Current greenhouse gas monitoring often lacks the frequency and precision needed to track diurnal variations of fossil CO2. Companies and governments struggle with unreliable data for emission trend forecasts and a dependence on non-European commercial providers.
An upgraded design and breadboard of the NanoCarb instrument and a refined constellation concept. This includes data processing pipelines from L1 to L4 for GHG plume monitoring.
If you are an infrastructure operator dealing with undetected methane leaks across vast pipeline networks — this project developed the NanoCarb instrument that provides twice-daily global measurements to pinpoint emission plumes. This allows for faster leak detection and reduced regulatory penalties.
If you are a verification firm dealing with unreliable self-reported emission data from clients — this project developed a satellite constellation that delivers accurate global measurements. This provides an independent, data-driven way to verify if a company is actually reducing its carbon footprint.
If you are a government agency dealing with the need to meet strict climate targets — this project developed a European alternative to non-European commercial monitoring. This ensures data sovereignty and reliable trends for emission forecasts.
Based on available project data, specific pricing or cost structures are not mentioned as the project focuses on maturing the technical definition.
The project aims to refine the constellation concept for a possible short-term industrial implementation, targeting an operational system before the end of the decade.
Based on available project data, the specific IP and licensing terms are not disclosed, though it is led by Airbus Defence and Space with 11 partners.
The project targets an operational system availability before the end of the decade.
The system provides data processing from levels L1 to L4 to validate the capability to monitor GHG plumes from space.
The project is led by a major aerospace prime, Airbus Defence and Space, ensuring strong industrial leadership. The consortium is well-balanced for technology transfer, featuring 11 partners with a 45% industry ratio (5 companies, including 2 SMEs), supported by 4 research institutes and 1 university across 6 European countries.
Contact Airbus Defence and Space SAS in Toulouse, France
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