The CO₂M mission is part of the Copernicus Earth observation programme and is designed to measure human-caused carbon dioxide emissions with unprecedented accuracy. The data collected will provide insights into emissions from individual countries, regions, and cities, supporting the verification of commitments under the Paris Agreement.
With three CO₂M satellites in orbit, Europe will improve its ability to track greenhouse gas emissions globally. The additional satellite will enhance data coverage and reduce the time required for full global measurements from 11 days with one satellite to just 3.5 days with three.
The satellites will operate in a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 735 kilometres. The first two CO₂M satellites are currently under construction in Bremen, with the third satellite now added to the production schedule.
Each satellite is equipped with advanced spectrometers and a collocated polarimeter, enabling high-resolution measurements of carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and methane concentrations. This cutting-edge technology will allow scientists to identify major emission sources and track atmospheric pollutants with greater precision than ever before.
The CO₂M mission will generate valuable data to improve climate models and inform policy decisions on climate change mitigation. By providing precise measurements of each country’s CO₂ footprint, the mission will help governments and international organisations implement and assess climate policies effectively.
OHB leads the CO₂M project as the prime contractor, responsible for the overall space segment and satellite platform development. Thales Alenia Space, a key partner in the programme, will supply the mission’s scientific payload.
Copernicus is one of Europe’s flagship space programmes, alongside Galileo, and plays a crucial role in monitoring Earth’s land, oceans, atmosphere, and climate. The programme is jointly funded by the European Union and ESA, ensuring Europe maintains an independent and advanced Earth observation capability.
