Advancing Ice Cloud Observations from Space

As the climate crisis intensifies, it is crucial to advance our capabilities for observing and understanding atmospheric ice clouds. This talk will highlight the innovative approaches of proposed satellite missions designed to enhance ice cloud observations from space. These include the TWICE CubeSat, which is capable of retrieving critical ice cloud parameters using a forward radiative transfer model and retrieval system, and the ENTICE SmallSat platform, which combines a 94 GHz cloud radar with multi-frequency sub-mm microwave radiometers to measure global vertical profiles of cloud ice particle size, ice water content, and in-cloud humidity and temperature. These missions underscore the importance of understanding the evolution of anvil clouds and their interaction with ambient thermodynamic conditions to reduce uncertainties in cloud-climate feedback. Additionally, we will highlight how the simulated orbital sampling of ENTICE is sufficient to fulfill the mission's scientific goals. Together, these proposed missions promise to revolutionize our capabilities for observing ice clouds, a critical step towards a deeper understanding of Earth's hydrological cycle and climate system.