Airbus to Design and Build Next-Generation Wind Observation Satellite

Airbus Defence and Space has signed an initial contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to design and build the Aeolus-2 satellite, a next-generation mission for global wind observation. The project follows the successful first Aeolus satellite, launched in 2018, which provided crucial wind profile data until 2023.

The original Aeolus mission significantly contributed to improving global weather prediction models. Program partners reported that the data reduced the average error in weather forecasts by more than 4 percent, enhancing understanding of atmospheric circulation and extreme weather events.

Aeolus-2 will feature an advanced Doppler wind lidar system using ultraviolet lasers. This system will measure wind speed and direction vertically through the atmosphere, from ground level up to an altitude of 30 kilometers. It is designed to cover the entire globe approximately every seven days. The satellite will also include an additional detector for measuring atmospheric aerosols.

The mission is a collaboration between ESA and EUMETSAT, the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites. Aeolus-2 is expected to support major weather centers, including the UK Met Office and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. Orbiting at an altitude of approximately 450 kilometers, the satellite has a planned operational lifetime of 5.5 years.