New MetOp Second Generation weather satellite returns first data

The Metop Second Generation (Metop-SG) mission is based on the proven success of the first generation metaphor satellites, which protects the flow of important data for global weather forecasting and climate monitoring-while starting major progress in performance and resolution.

Since the incidence of extreme and unexpected weather becomes more frequent, precise and timely predictions are never more important. Operations from the polar orbit, the metop-SG satellite will provide the necessary data required to strengthen the weather prediction model and deepen our understanding of the changing climate of the Earth.

The mission consists of three gradual pairs satellites, each pair made of A-Type and B-Type is made of satellite, which carries supplemented devices to catch a wide range of observations.

This mission is the result of prolonged collaboration between ESA and EUMETSAT. The ESA is responsible for the design and development of satellites, while the EUMETSAT manages the launch services, ground segment development, satellite operations and distribution of data to the meteorological community.

Launched on 13 August, riding an Ariane 6 rocket from the European Spaceport in French Guana, Eumitsat is currently putting the Metop-SG-A1 through a rigorous commissioning phase.

Despite this new satellite, it is in the orbit for only three weeks and commissioning is in a very early stage, its microwave sounder (MWS) and the radio occupation (RO) sounder is already returning the ‘first glimpse’ data, marking a significant milestone in a new era of European weather and climate monitoring.

MWS provides temperature and humidity profiles. It combines the Metop’s original advanced microwave sounding unit-A (AMSU-A1 and AMSU-A2) and microwave humidity sound (MHS) to a single antenna instrument in a single antenna instrument with temperature, humidity voice and ice-cloud detection to a single antenna instrument. The horizontal resolution of temperature sounding channels has improved from about 48 km to 20 km in Nadir.

Just a week after the instrument was launched, he began to concentrate-and the striking image presented above is a 24-hour capture from its channel 17 to 24 August. In addition to the properties of the Earth’s surface, this channel is also sensitive to sensitive clouds, shown as banding structures on various filaments and oceans. For example, the red vortex that appears in the North Atlantic reflects the deep convection cloud system of the pre-Towman Erin.

The next image of MWS Channel 2, clearly shows a health of the ‘glitter temperature’ (in Calvin) above the ground and the ocean in Europe.

In fact, information on 24 separate channels of MWS will not be used in isolation, they will be added to produce atmospheric temperature and humidity data products at different heights above the Earth.

The RO sounder provides a wide profile of atmospheric temperature and humidity in both troposphere and ionosphere. Construction of the first generation GNSS receiver for the first generation GNSS receiver for the first generation of metop satellites, the new means trips to the number of radio psychiatric measurements-the new means provides more than 1600 observation. This jump in coverage is possible not only from GPS, but also by incorporating signs from Galileo in Europe and beadou satellite navigation constellations of China.

As the image shows, new coverage includes most parts of the global ocean, where the data were first relatively rare.

Image uses mentals between 20 and 26 August. Small plots show the vertical temperature and humidity profiles obtained from the first measurement of the instrument on 20 August on the southern Pacific. The curves are plotted with ECMWF forecast data, showing how the RO measurements refine and update the predictions of the temperature and humidity structure, especially in data-sparrow areas.

Both MWS and RO will provide inputs of unprecedented accuracy to predict numerical weather. Although these initial signs suggest that progress is on, data is not yet operational, and the commission of Metop-SG-A1 requires the meteorological services of any data and the months of months before it is issued to the state meteorological services and other users.

Phil Evans, Director General of EUMETSAT, said, “Getting these first data so soon is an thrilling achievement for eumetsat, especially given the technical sophistication of Metop-SG-A1 and its payload.

“In collaboration with ESA and our European industry partners, the EUMETSAT teams are working intensely to operate all satellite equipment, and the fact that the data is already flowing from MWS originally from MWS and RO shows that we are on the right path to powerful, valid products for our user community in planned time.”

ESA Director of Earth Overview programs Simoneta Cheli said, “This first glimpse of data is extremely encouraging, and I want to thank all the teams that have contributed to develop the mission as a whole and to operate and commission the Metop-SG-A1 in orbit.

“This is a major venture: six satellites, flying in gradual pairs in total and giving the least important data for the next 20 years. While we closely monitor the initial performance of Metop-SG-A1, we are already in the final stages of preparing our partner, Metop-SG-B1 for launch next year.” Forecast. ,

Reading:Metop Second Generation Mission Kit