The European space agencyʹs present and future atmospheric composition sounding missions Original Research Article

To further understanding of the processes that determine the state and development of the Earthʹs atmosphere accurate measurements of a large variety of atmospheric parameters (on a global scale, with sufficient temporal extent and resolution) are imperative. Recognising the importance of this work the European Space Agency supports atmospheric science by contributing significantly to global efforts devoted to the observation of the requisite geophysical parameters. The two highly successful Earth observation missions, ERS-1 and ERS-2, are being followed by operational meteorological missions and the soon-to-be-launched Envisat satellite. Future missions funded by the new Earth Observation Envelope Programme of the Agency will cover the full span of Earth observation. This paper focuses on the present and future missions for atmospheric composition sounding.