Pioneering laser technology

Developing the ADM-Aeolus satellite’s laser has been challenging. Despite a number of setbacks, this cutting-edge piece of technology is now ready to be integrated into the rest of the satellite’s instrument – a Doppler wind lidar called Aladin. Once launched, ADM-Aeolus will provide profiles of the world’s winds as well as information on aerosols and clouds. These profiles will not only advance our understanding of atmospheric dynamics, but will also offer much-needed information to improve weather forecasts.