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Multi-Sensor Physics-Informed Contrail Detection, Radiative Forcing Estimation and Interactive Climate Analytics

Objective

Climate change has reached a critical juncture, with 2024 the first year where global average temperatures exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Aviation, responsible for 2–3% of global CO2 emissions, contributes even more through non-CO2 effects—especially contrails and aviation-induced cloudiness—which account for about 2/3 of its radiative forcing. Yet large uncertainties remain due to model spread, regional variability, and incomplete observations. E-CONTRAIL 2 addresses this challenge by delivering an open, end-to-end capability for detecting, tracking, and quantifying the climate impact of contrails and aviation-induced cloudiness in Europe. The project pursues four objectives: O-1 creates labelled multi-sensor contrail datasets in Europe, openly shared via the ContrailNet portal. O-2 develops a physics-informed, data-driven framework embedding atmospheric dynamics into neural networks for robust contrail detection and tracking in multispectral imagery. O-3 quantifies contrail and cirrus RF by combining multi-platform observations with radiative transfer modelling. O-4 extends the E-CONTRAIL dashboard, incorporating 3D visualisation, animations, and contrail outbreak prediction for user-ready decision support. Methodologically, datasets from GEO/LEO satellites, LIDAR/RADAR, and ground cameras feed physics-informed AI models that link weather forecasts and traffic demand to RF estimates. E-CONTRAIL 2 directly meets the expected outcomes of the call: Outcome 1, by providing accurate, evidence-based data on contrail climate impacts; and Outcome 2, by aligning with the Aviation Non-CO2 Expert Network (ANCEN) and contributing to a coordinated European approach that informs international policy. By sharply reducing uncertainties and delivering AI- and data-driven quantitative assessments, E-CONTRAIL 2 will empower policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders with reliable evidence to support effective climate mitigation strategies.

Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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HORIZON-JU-RIA - HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Actions

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03

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Coordinator

UNIVERSIDAD CARLOS III DE MADRID
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 163 612,49
Address
CALLE MADRID 126
28903 Getafe (Madrid)
Spain

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Region
Comunidad de Madrid Comunidad de Madrid Madrid
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

No data

Participants (6)

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