Parasol is the second microsatellite in the Myriade series developed by CNES. It is carrying a wide-field imaging radiometer/polarimeter called POLDER (Polarization and Directionality of the Earth's Reflectances), designed in partnership with the LOA atmospheric optics laboratory in Lille (CNRS-USTL). POLDER is designed to improve our knowledge of the radiative and microphysical properties of clouds and aerosols by measuring the directionality and polarization of light reflected by the Earth-atmosphere system.

Launched by an Ariane 5 G+ from Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, Parasol was positioned with regard to the other satellites of the A-Train constellation to complete it. These satellites, for the first time ever, combine a full suite of instruments for observing clouds and aerosols, from passive radiometers to active lidar and radar sounders.

Parasol, which nominal lifetime was of 2 years, covered until now more than 7 years of mission.

Press pack

Hurricane Rita seen by PARASOL Orbit 019070, on the 23rd of September 2005