Meteomatics drone improves weather forecasts with high-altitude data collection

Swiss weather technology firm Meteomatics has introduced the Strato, a multicopter drone designed for atmospheric study. The new device can reach higher altitudes than traditional weather balloons, collecting more precise data on weather phenomena. Unlike the sensor packages on weather balloons, which are often lost, Strato returns to its launch site after its mission, enabling repeated measurements.

Meteomatics states that Strato is the first drone capable of profiling the atmosphere from the ground up to the stratosphere on demand. As it ascends, the drone measures temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind at all altitudes, creating a vertical profile of the air. Traditionally, radiosondes attached to weather balloons were used for this data collection. Balloon launches take approximately 40 minutes to reach 12 kilometers, and most are lost, contributing to pollution.

Strato addresses these issues by ascending to 34,000 feet in about 25 minutes, half the time of a weather balloon. The drone consistently returns to its operators, ready for another flight. The company suggests the drone's speed and continuous operability significantly enhance data collection from jet streams, which are critical for forecast accuracy. Precise information on jet stream location and strength is essential for, among other things, air traffic planning.

The technology also presents challenges. At 34,000 feet, Strato operates in the same airspace as commercial airliners, requiring close coordination with air traffic control. The drone can utilize a transponder and issue advance warnings to pilots. The thin atmosphere at high altitudes necessitates specialized propeller and motor designs for efficient ascent without excessive energy consumption. Furthermore, the drone must withstand strong winds and rain.