Algorithm test for the 3D evaluation of atmospheric lidar (ATLID) and the Multi-Spectral Imager (MSI) on EarthCARE. The synergetic algorithm "AM-COL" described by Haarig et al. 2023 combines the strengths of ATLID in vertically resolved profiles of aerosol and clouds (e.g. cloud top) with the strengths of MSI in observing the entire scene next to the satellite track and in extending the lidar information on the satellite's acquisition strip. A strong ATLID-Mie-Co-polar signal (white) indicates optically thick clouds; weaker signals (red to yellow) indicate optically thinner clouds or aerosol layers. The high clouds in the centre of the scene are detected by MSI due to their low brightness temperature (BT; blue). The high brightness temperatures (red) on the MSI swath result from the Earth surface signal, with the low-lying clouds visible in yellow.
Graphic: Moritz Haarig, TROPOS; https://amt.copernicus.org/articles/16/5953/2023/

Testing and preparing the EarthCARE cloud profile radar for the launch in California. One of the tasks was to open the satellite's 2.5 metre wide radar antenna, which creates the cloud profile. This instrument, provided by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), is designed to penetrate clouds and provide detailed insights into their vertical structure, velocity, particle size and distribution, and water content.
Photo: European Space Agency - ESA; https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2024/05/Opening_EarthCARE_s_cloud_profiling_radar
(This image is copyrighted by ESA and not available for distribution under any Creative Commons Licence. The image is however available to anybody for informational, educational and press uses under the ESA Standard Licence which you can find here:
https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Terms_and_conditions_of_use_of_images_and_videos_available_on_the_esa_website . ESA copyrighted images cannot be used for commercial purposes without explicit written permissions by ESA.)

Artistic view of EarthCARE in space.
Graphic: ESA-P. Carril; https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2013/12/Artist_s_view_of_EarthCARE2
(This image is copyrighted by ESA and not available for distribution under any Creative Commons Licence. The image is however available to anybody for informational, educational and press uses under the ESA Standard Licence which you can find here:
https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Terms_and_conditions_of_use_of_images_and_videos_available_on_the_esa_website . ESA copyrighted images cannot be used for commercial purposes without explicit written permissions by ESA.)

EarthCARE's unique set of four instruments provides a holistic view of the interaction of clouds, aerosols and radiation. The cloud profile radar (green) provides information on the vertical structure and internal dynamics of clouds, the atmospheric lidar (purple) provides information on the cloud top and profiles of thin clouds and aerosols, the multispectral imager provides a comprehensive overview of the scene in different wavelengths and the broadband radiometer measures reflected solar radiation and outgoing infrared radiation.
Graphic: ESA/ATG medialab; https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2023/10/EarthCARE_for_a_better_understanding_of_Earth_s_radiation_balance
(This image is copyrighted by ESA and not available for distribution under any Creative Commons Licence. The image is however available to anybody for informational, educational and press uses under the ESA Standard Licence which you can find here:
https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Terms_and_conditions_of_use_of_images_and_videos_available_on_the_esa_website . ESA copyrighted images cannot be used for commercial purposes without explicit written permissions by ESA.)