EarthCARE Mission Advisory Group - membership application now open
As the Earth Explorer EarthCARE mission progresses into Phase B of its development, ESA is inviting scientists who wish to apply for membership of the EarthCARE Mission Advisory Group (MAG), to do so via the Mission Advisory Group Application website.
Applications must be submitted by 28 February 2007 (noon CET).
Due for launch in 2012, the EarthCARE (Earth Clouds, Aerosols and Radiation Explorer) mission is being implemented in cooperation with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and addresses the need for a better understanding of the interactions between clouds, aerosols and radiation. Clouds are a key feature in weather and climate, whereby they play a central role in both the global hydrological cycle and energy budget. Despite their importance, there are still large deficiencies in the representation of clouds, aerosols and radiative transfer in atmospheric models - the source of large uncertainties in predicting climate change.
EarthCARE was selected for implementation in November 2004. Following extensive pre-development activities over the last two years, the mission is now beginning Phase B, which will last for about a year. During
Phase B, important tasks will include the consolidation of the proposed system/instrument design that meets the mission objectives and requirements, and the needs of the science user community.
The payload will consist of instruments for measuring cloud and aerosol properties, namely a high spectral resolution atmospheric lidar, a cloud profiling radar with Doppler measurement capability and a multi-spectral imager. Furthermore, a broad-band radiometer will measure top-of-the atmosphere radiances and radiative fluxes.
The MAG is integral to the development of the mission, providing advice to the Agency on the scientific objectives, observational requirements, data product and algorithm definitions, preparation for validation, scientific studies and campaigns. The first Phase B MAG meeting will take place 10 May 2007 at ESA-ESTEC, Noordwijk, the Netherlands. The meeting will be preceded by the EarthCARE workshop to be held 7-9 May 2007, also at ESA-ESTEC.
More information about how to apply for membership of the EarthCARE MAG can be found via the Mission Advisory Group Application website.
