The mission, called CO2M (Copernicus Anthropogenic Carbon Dioxide Monitoring), is being developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) in partnership with the European Commission under the Copernicus Earth observation program.

The mission will see the launch of three satellites, scheduled for 2027, 2028, and 2029, respectively. These satellites are designed to measure atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) gases that are heavily associated with human activity and global warming.

Portugal’s GMV, a technology and engineering company, is responsible for the development of the data processing systems that will manage the large volumes of information collected by the satellites. Meanwhile, FHP will provide the thermal insulation for the satellites, ensuring their proper functioning in the extreme conditions of space, as confirmed by Portugal’s national space agency.

According to the ESA, these satellites will orbit the Earth at an altitude of 735 kilometers, from a polar orbit, offering a global view of greenhouse gas emissions. They will be launched from the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, aboard Vega-C rockets, and are expected to operate for at least seven years.

The CO2M mission is strategically important in the context of climate crisis. As the ESA highlights, human activities continue to release rising levels of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming. Reaching the Paris Agreement target of limiting global temperature increases to 1.5ºC will require accurate data and actionable insights to support substantial and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

The satellites will provide high-resolution measurements of CO₂ emissions from individual industrial facilities, urban areas, and power plants. By also detecting NO₂, which is often emitted alongside CO₂ during the combustion of fossil fuels, the mission offers an additional layer of data to trace pollution back to its sources.

Beyond scientific discovery, the mission has a strong policy impact. The data generated by the CO2M satellites will enhance climate models and inform political decisions related to emission reductions and climate adaptation strategies. This information will be crucial for governments, international bodies, and environmental organizations working to meet sustainability goals.

Portugal’s participation in such a high-profile mission reflects the growing technological capabilities of the country’s space sector. It also underlines the importance of international collaboration in tackling global challenges like climate change.

As the countdown to the first launch in 2027 begins, the involvement of Portuguese companies displays how local innovation can contribute to a global mission—one that aims to safeguard the future of our planet through advanced Earth observation from space.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes