On August 16, 2024, the Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS) was successfully launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Built by OHB Sweden for the European Space Agency, this prototype microsatellite will measure atmospheric temperature and humidity over the northern polar region. Thales Alenia Space is responsible for the ground segment of this trailblazer, which will bridge the current lack of data and improve the accuracy of short-term weather forecasts over this northerly region.
Better knowledge of the Arctic climate
Positioned at an altitude of 600 kilometers, the Arctic Weather Satellite will help improve the quality of scientific data collected in this region. One of its main goals is to demonstrate the effectiveness of radiometer measurements for improving weather forecasts in the Arctic and on a global scale.
This satellite carries a cross-track scanning microwave radiometer to allow high-resolution atmospheric temperature and humidity measurements in all weather conditions. By improving measurements, it will capture brief fluctuations in humidity, which will be analyzed to derive more accurate information about wind and, in turn, track storms and anticipate extreme climate phenomena. The collected data will be used by the European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) and its American counterpart, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Liftoff for ESA’s Arctic Weather Satellite © SpaceX
Thales Alenia Space is leading a consortium to deliver the ground segment. We’re drawing on the expertise of KSAT, in charge of operations, along with DEIMOS and RDA, which are developing the core software for processing the data from the satellite, and the Thales Alenia Space teams in Luxembourg.
The arctic’s importance in the fight against climate change
Geostationary and polar-orbiting satellites provide a wealth of information for meteorologists. Surveillance of the Arctic region is still inadequate, however, because current geostationary satellites don’t have visibility over these northerly latitudes.
Furthermore, climate change will likely affect the Arctic more than the rest of the world. Indeed, it’s already warming three times faster than the global average. Arctic sea ice is also undergoing profound changes in structure and variability. Studies have shown that the decline in Arctic sea ice could impact the climate at our lower latitudes by modifying the “sinuosity” of the polar jet stream — the belt of strong winds which meanders around the globe and plays a decisive role in the trajectory of mid-latitude depressions.
That’s why it’s crucial to take this region into account as we seek to understand global warming in its broadest context. The Arctic Weather Satellite is part of an effort to more fully integrate the polar regions, so it’s a major step forward for our planet. The data it gathers will also be used to improve weather forecasting around the world and will help drive climate change research.
If the AWS prototype lives up to expectations, it will be the forerunner of a potential constellation of six identical satellites called EPS Sterna, built for ESA and EUMETSAT.
Geostationary environmental monitoring and meteorology
The Arctic Weather Satellite mission complements the European Commission’s Copernicus environmental monitoring program, which is systematically surveying Earth and its topography, seas, lakes, oceans and polar regions. Copernicus also encompasses climatology missions and programs measuring human-induced CO2 emissions or incorporating new applications to foster sustainable agriculture and biodiversity. A program of this scale is key to enabling Europe to better anticipate the consequences of global warming so we can safeguard our planet. Thales Alenia Space is a major contributor to 11 of the program’s 12 missions. The satellites are built by European prime contractors for ESA.
Copernicus © Thales Alenia Space
Our company has also been prime contractor for 17 Meteosat satellites for ESA and EUMETSAT: seven for the first generation, four for the second and six for Meteosat Third Generation (MTG), comprising four imaging satellites and two atmospheric sounding satellites built by OHB.
Each new generation has marked a major step forward in weather forecasting. With the first-generation Meteosat satellites, images of Earth were refreshed every 30 minutes, then every 15 minutes with the second generation. With MTG, we’ll benefit from images updated every 10 minutes for the entire globe and every 2 minutes, 30 seconds for Europe. MTG is set to revolutionize modern meteorology and significantly improve weather forecasting. The imaging satellites carry lightning detectors, while the sounders will be capable of mapping the atmosphere in 3D. Once all the satellites are in orbit, EUMETSAT will offer the most sophisticated weather forecasting services in the world. The first MTG imaging satellite was successfully launched by Arianespace in December 2022, and the first image was unveiled in May 2023.
MTG © Thales Alenia Space