Observation of ultra-high energy cosmic rays in cloudy conditions by the space-based JEM-EUSO Observatory

JEM-EUSO is a space observatory that will be located on-board the Japanese Experiment Module at the International Space Station. It will observe Extensive Air Showers (EAS) induced by ultra-high energy cosmic rays using the Earth's atmosphere as detector. In addition to clear sky observations, EAS are also observable in cloudy conditions if a sufficiently large part of the EAS development occurs above the cloud. The atmospheric monitoring system plays a fundamental role in our understanding of the atmospheric conditions in the field of view of the telescope.