On July 25, 2025, the MicroCarb satellite was launched into orbit aboard a Vega C rocket from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. This mission, designated "VV27," was conducted by Arianespace and marks a significant advancement in global efforts to monitor carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions.
MicroCarb is designed to map sources and sinks of CO₂ on a global scale. Equipped with a dispersive spectrometer, the satellite measures atmospheric CO₂ concentrations with high precision. Operating in a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 650 kilometers, MicroCarb is expected to provide valuable data for climate change mitigation efforts over its planned five-year mission duration.
The mission also included the deployment of four CO3D satellites, which are part of the Constellation Optique en 3D program. These satellites aim to deliver high-resolution 3D mapping services, contributing to various applications such as urban planning, land management, and environmental monitoring.
This launch underscores the collaborative efforts between European space agencies and industry partners to enhance our understanding of Earth's atmosphere and to develop tools for addressing environmental challenges.