Arctic Weather Satellite deploying solar panels

Once in orbit, ESA’s Arctic Weather Satellite deploys its solar wings. The image shows the satellite in the process of this deployment but once open the solar wings span a total length of 5.5 m. They provide the satellite with the power it needs to operate in space.

As its name suggests, the Arctic Weather Satellite mission is designed to show how a potential polar-orbiting constellation of satellites could provide data for very short-term weather forecasts and nowcasts in the Arctic, a region that lacks these kind of forecasts. Importantly, the constellation would also allow for more accurate forecasting around the world.