Keystone is a candidate ESA Earth Explorer mission
investigating the Mesosphere-Thermosphere System
and its role in connecting Earth’s atmosphere
with near-Earth space.
Keystone Science Goals
Science Goal 1
Characterise the Mesosphere-Thermosphere System (MTS)
Science Goal 2
Understand Atmosphere-Space Coupling
Science Goal 3
Improve Whole-Atmosphere Models
Why Keystone Matters
Satellite Operations
Improves thermospheric density and drag prediction
Space Weather
Helps model atmosphere-ionosphere variability
Space Safety
Supports better orbit forecasting and collision-risk mitigation
Climate Science
Constrains coupling between the lower atmosphere and near-space