MERLIN

French space agency CNES has selected Airbus Defence and Space to build the methane remote sensing LIDAR mission (MERLIN) satellite.

Designed to study the varying concentrations of methane gas in Earth’s atmosphere, MERLIN is the first joint mission of CNES and Germany’s DLR space agencies.

Airbus Defence and Space space systems head François Auque said: "We are happy to run the first Franco-German Earth observation satellite programme and we will build the spacecraft on both sides of the Rhine."

DLR previously selected Airbus Defence and Space as the prime contractor for early development phases (0-B) of the MERLIN payload.

"The LIDAR instrument will emit a laser at two different wavelengths and measures their reflections off the Earth’s surface."

Planned for launch in 2020, the satellite will be built on Airbus AstroBus-S platform and will incorporate light detection and ranging (LIDAR) instrument.

The LIDAR instrument will emit a laser at two different wavelengths and measures their reflections off the Earth’s surface.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

As one of the two wavelengths is absorbed by the methane, the difference will be evaluated to measure the atmosphere’s methane content.

According to Airbus, the MERLIN LIDAR instrument will have its own light source on-board, enabling it to operate day and night without relying on sunlight on the observed areas.

Airbus Defence and Space in Germany will design and build the LIDAR instrument, while Airbus Defence and Space in France will be responsible for the satellite, its platform and integration with the instrument.

Image: MERLIN will study the varying concentrations of methane gas in Earth’s atmosphere. Photo: courtesy of Airbus DS GmbH.