Arctic Weather Satellite constellation

The Arctic Weather Satellite mission is conceived as a constellation of small polar-orbiting satellites, each carrying a single instrument: a 19-channel cross-track microwave radiometer. The mission would supply an almost constant stream of temperature and humidity data from every location on Earth – allowing, for the first time, for very short-range weather forecasting, or ‘nowcasting’, in the Arctic. Meteorologists will also use the mission to improve weather forecasts around the world. This enhanced sounding will capture short fluctuations in humidity that can be used to better infer wind information for tracking storms and extreme weather.

Embracing the New Space approach to prove new concepts in a cost-effective and timely manner, ESA is developing a prototype satellite as a first step.