System

The system architecture is built around the following components:

• A space segment, the MicroCarb satellite, comprising:
• A Myriade spacecraft bus
• A passive spectrometer instrument

• A mission ground segment (MIGS) based on elements shared with other missions:
• A command - control centre (CCC) common to Myriade and Proteus family missions
• Communications in S-band and X-band using the CNES multi-mission 2-GHz and 8-GHz ground station network and a data communication network
• Additional CNES multi-mission support facilities: space debris management facility, operational orbit computation centre (OCC) and main control room

• A digital satellite simulator used to conduct tests and qualify the system,

• A payload ground segment (PLGS), comprising:
• A data acquisition, archiving and distribution centre (PLDS)
• A  mission planning and payload operational centre, responsible for instrument monitoring and control (PLOC)
• A scientific data processing and management centre (PLDP)
• Expertise centres (TEC) in charge of monitoring product quality

• A launch service comprising:
• Orbiting of the MicroCarb satellite by the European Vega-C launcher
• Launch support facilities and services

Data products will be made available to the international scientific community through the AERIS data and services centre.

Level 3 and 4 data are generated and distributed via AERIS.

Data processing also requires some exogenous data such as meteorological data provided by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF).

Products will be exploited and made available to the international scientific community through the AERIS data centre.

Calibration operations performed during the commissioning phase, then routinely, use the data provided by the TCCON network of atmospheric ground stations.