Tag

Copernicus Program

All articles tagged with #copernicus program

space2 years ago

Mysterious Disappearance of Fuel Tank Causes Delay in Last Vega Rocket Launch

The final launch of the Vega rocket, which is crucial for Arianespace and the European Space Agency's launch capabilities, has been delayed to September 2024 due to the unexpected problem of missing fuel tanks. The Vega-C, its successor, is also facing delays following launch and testing failures. The missing tanks for the Vega rocket's upper stage have been accidentally scrapped and crushed during building renovations. Two options are being considered: using older qualification tanks or modifying the existing AVUM stage with tanks from the Vega-C. The preferred option would result in a launch in September 2024, but there is a possibility that the Vega-C might return to flight before the final Vega launch.

climate-change2 years ago

"Satellite Supergroup's Staggering Accuracy in Identifying Methane Super-emitters"

A combination of connected satellites, including Sentinel-5P, Sentinel-3, and Sentinel-2, is enabling researchers to detect methane super-emitters with high accuracy and almost in real time. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas responsible for a quarter of human-induced global warming. The tiered approach allows for low-resolution global scans followed by pinpointed spotting of emitters, providing crucial information for evidence-based decision-making and successful mitigation efforts. The satellites have been used to identify methane hot spots worldwide, which are then targeted with high-resolution observations from other satellites to pinpoint the exact sources. This new capability is a significant development in the global fight against climate change.