DLR's METimage Camera to Improve Weather Forecasts

Satellite observations are a cornerstone of weather forecasting. They provide precise, comprehensive data from regions of Earth that are inadequately or not at all covered by other instruments. Together with other observations, this data helps to determine the current state of the atmosphere as accurately as possible. On this basis, numerical models calculate how the weather will develop over the coming hours and days. The Metop-SG satellite series will significantly improve overall weather forecasting, but especially the upcoming two to six hours. Known as 'nowcasting', this is crucial for warning of extreme events, as in many cases the extent and consequences of such events cannot be predicted using long-term weather models. Metop-SGA1 with the METimage instrument – and the other second-generation Metop-SG satellites – will make a crucial contribution to nowcasting from polar orbit.

"The number of extreme weather events is increasing significantly," says Walther Pelzer, DLR Executive Board Member and Director General of the German Space Agency at DLR. "If we are to take timely measures to protect ourselves and our infrastructure, we need precise weather information. Our everyday weather forecasting is largely based on satellite data. Thanks to its high spatial resolution, METimage will make a key contribution towards improving forecast quality. Its spectral camera measurements will also provide essential data for global climate models and help us take the right action to combat the effects of climate change."

Long-term commitment to global weather monitoring
Metop-SGA1 is part of the EUMETSAT Polar System – Second Generation (EPS-SG), Europe's contribution to the system of polar-orbiting meteorological satellites jointly maintained with the United States. EUMETSAT is responsible for the 'mid-morning' orbit, which crosses the equator at 09:30 local time.

The Metop-SG programme comprises six satellites: three consecutive pairs of A and B satellites carrying a variety of different but complementary instruments. The Metop-SG A satellites carry instruments for atmospheric sounding and imaging, while the B satellites carry instruments for microwave imaging and radar observations. Together they will ensure the continuity of the vital Metop data series until the mid-2040s. Metop-SG A satellites also carry the European Copernicus Sentinel-5 mission, built by Airbus and equipped with ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared and short-wave-infrared sensors for detailed measurements of atmospheric composition and trace gases.

The nominal operating life planned for the Metop-SG satellite series is 21 years, which will be covered by three identical satellite generations.

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