Carrying a unique spectrometer, the Copernicus Hyperspectral Imaging Mission for the Environment, CHIME, delivers systematic high-resolution hyperspectral images to improve agricultural practices and natural resources management. This new Copernicus mission is used to monitor the biophysical and biochemical properties of crops, and the texture and organic content of topsoil. CHIME can also be used for forest management, and to monitor inland water bodies and coastal ecosystems. In addition, CHIME can detect the presence and quantity of various minerals on Earth’s surface.

Read: CHIME Mission Requirements Document

Explore: CHIME brochure

Watch: How will space transform the global food system?

The Copernicus Carbon Dioxide Monitoring, CO2M, mission’s main instrument is a spectrometer to measure atmospheric carbon dioxide and methane, focusing on emissions from human activity. These measurements will enhance transparency and help estimate emissions at local, national and regional scales. The mission will provide the EU with a unique and independent source of information to assess the effectiveness of policy measures towards decarbonising Europe and meeting the emission reduction targets laid out in the Paris Agreement.

Read: CO2M Mission Requirements Document

Watch: Tracking human emissions from space

The Copernicus Land Surface Temperature Monitoring, LSTM, mission carries a high-resolution thermal-infrared sensor to provide observations of land-surface temperature and emissivity. The mission responds to the need to improve sustainable agricultural productivity. The mission’s land-surface temperature measurements and information on evapotranspiration are key to understanding and adapting to climate variability. Data from the mission will be used to manage water resources for agricultural production, predict droughts, manage coastal and inland water bodies and to address issues such as urban heat islands and heatwaves.

Read: LSTM Mission Requirements Document

Watch: Taking Earth’s temperature from space