Environment: satellites, climate sentinels

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J.-C. Batteria, N. Berthier, M. Salmon – France 3

France Televisions

European satellites designed in France make it possible to measure the impact of climate change. In a few years, the quality of the images is more and more efficient.

European satellites have been born for 40 years in an ultra-secure building in the suburbs of Cannes (Alpes-Maritimes). They are assembled and tested there, passing through a box capable of reproducing the vacuum of space. A Weather Sat will transform weather forecasts, particularly in the observation of violent phenomena, which are likely to multiply with global warming. Transmitters transmit an image weather report every two minutes at an altitude of 36,000 km, today we have to wait 15.

“The novelty on this propeller is the four lenses at the top. It is the instrument that can detect lightning and forecast storm cells.explains Pierre Armand, head of the Weather project Sat 3. In a neighboring room, the satellite in preparation will observe the evolution of the oceanic environment which largely conditions our climate. The measuring instruments that equip the satellites are produced in various European laboratories such as those of Airbus in Toulouse (Haute-Garonne). An instrument also makes it possible to map the areas that emit the most greenhouse gases, making it possible to oblige countries to keep their COP 21 promises.


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