News

Aeolus moves towards launch

03 November 2017

The Vacuum testing of the Aeolus Satellite in Liege has started. The mission will measure atmospheric wind profiles using a Doppler laser-radar technique. Aeolus carries one of the most sophisticated instruments ever to be put into orbit: Aladin, which includes two powerful lasers, a large telescope and very sensitive receivers.

A major milestone for the Aeolus mission has been reached moving towards launch in Mid-2018.  The Vacuum testing of the Aeolus Satellite in Liege has started. The mission will measure atmospheric wind profiles using a Doppler laser-radar technique.  Aeolus carries one of the most sophisticated instruments ever to be put into orbit: Aladin, which includes two powerful lasers, a large telescope and very sensitive receivers.

KNMI is actively involved in several projects for mission support in preparation for launch. These include

  • Instrument simulation
  • Definition of instrument calibration and sampling strategies
  • Impact simulation experiments in numerical weather prediction models, including extreme weather events
  • Building and testing the ground processing software
  • Preparation for Calibration/Validation campaigns
  • Definition of future (post-ADM-Aeolus) Doppler wind lidar satellites