Effective climate strategies are highly dependent on the provision of detailed Earth Observation (EO) data from space. How then, can we ensure that the measurements such important decisions are being based on are as accurate as possible? That’s where TRUTHS comes in.

TRUTHS (Traceable Radiometry Underpinning Terrestrial- and Helio-Studies) is a satellite mission led by the UK Space Agency (UKSA) under the European Space Agency’s Earth Watch programme and is scheduled for launch around 2030.

The satellite is set to act as an ‘in-space climate observatory’ – measuring the amount of solar radiation entering Earth’s atmosphere and the amount of reflected radiation leaving. This aims to improve our understanding of Earth’s “energy-in to energy-out” ratio and, therefore, our understanding of climate change.

Ultimately TRUTHS is set to provide a ten-fold increase in data accuracy compared to existing Earth Observation (EO) satellites. The high spectral and spatial resolution data provided by TRUTHS will offer a more complete pictures of Earth’s natural CO2 sinks (such as forests) and sources (such as melting permafrost), therefore supporting informed decision-making on climate strategies.

In addition to a Cryogenic Solar Absolute Radiometer (CSAR) and Hyperspectral Imaging Spectrometer, TRUTHS features a unique onboard calibration system which allows for the routine recalibration of all optical components.

This novel system allows for highly accurate data to be derived, setting a gold-standard reference for all other climate measurements made from space. This means that data derived from other Earth Observation satellites can be cross-calibrated and validated against TRUTHS’ benchmark, offering scientists and decision-makers access to information about climate change that’s more accurate than ever before. 

What’s Goonhilly’s role in TRUTHS?

Goonhilly Earth Station is part of a consortium, led by Airbus, who delivered the project’s system feasibility and predevelopment phase. As part of this group, Goonhilly delivered a study on skills, capability development, and outreach in the context of the mission.

The hope is that, in addition to providing the highest standard in accurate climate data, TRUTHS will inspire future generations, develop industry in the UK and other participating states, and link to other ongoing initiatives at national, academic, and industrial level.