WIVERN Satellite Mission: A New Era in Weather Forecasting

The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected the WIVERN satellite, developed by Professor Anthony Illingworth from the University of Reading, as its 11th Earth Explorer Mission. This mission aims to enhance the accuracy of weather forecasts by providing the first direct measurements of wind fields within clouds and storms. The satellite will utilize a dual-polarisation, 94 GHz Doppler radar to scan an 800-kilometre swath of the Earth's surface, addressing a significant gap in current meteorological observations.

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Historically, meteorologists have relied on indirect methods to estimate air movement within cloud systems, primarily tracking cloud tops or water vapor in the atmosphere. The WIVERN mission is designed to overcome this limitation by offering unprecedented insights into the internal dynamics of weather systems, such as hurricanes and thunderstorms. By measuring wind speed and direction directly within clouds, WIVERN will improve the forecasting of extreme weather events, allowing for timely warnings and better preparation for communities at risk.

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WIVERN's advanced radar technology will enable it to penetrate dense cloud layers, providing detailed profiles of water droplets, rain, snow, and ice. This capability is crucial for understanding the processes that drive weather patterns and will contribute to climate records. The mission is expected to deliver almost daily coverage of vast areas, significantly enhancing the monitoring of rapid atmospheric changes.

WIVERN: ESA's satellite will measure the wind inside the cloudReading ChronicleUni of Reading makes history as second satellite mission selected by European Space AgencyLeipzig researcher involved in new ESA space mission

The data collected by WIVERN will not only improve short-term weather forecasts but also have long-term implications for climate science. Clouds and precipitation are major sources of uncertainty in climate models. By providing detailed global data on cloud and precipitation profiles, WIVERN will aid in refining these models, leading to more reliable projections of future climate change.

WIVERN: ESA's satellite will measure the wind inside the cloud

ESA's Director of Earth Observation Programmes, Simonetta Cheli, expressed enthusiasm for the WIVERN mission, stating, “After a rigorous selection process, we are excited to welcome WIVERN to the Earth Explorer family and we are eager to see the groundbreaking science it will deliver.” Professor Illingworth emphasized the mission's potential to enhance public safety, noting, “The satellites I have helped develop will help to keep people safe from extreme weather.”

Uni of Reading makes history as second satellite mission selected by European Space Agency

While WIVERN was selected, it faced competition from the CAIRT mission, which aimed to study atmospheric chemistry and dynamics. Professor René Forsberg, Chairman of ESA's Advisory Committee for Earth Observation, acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, highlighting CAIRT's significant societal benefits. The committee encouraged continued research for CAIRT, indicating a recognition of its potential value.

WIVERN: ESA's satellite will measure the wind inside the cloud

The WIVERN mission is scheduled for launch in the first half of the 2030s. As the project progresses, researchers from various institutions, including Leipzig University and the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology, will collaborate to develop the necessary algorithms for data interpretation, focusing on improving snowfall measurements in polar regions.

Leipzig researcher involved in new ESA space missionWIVERN: ESA's satellite will measure the wind inside the cloudUni of Reading makes history as second satellite mission selected by European Space AgencyReading ChronicleEuropean Space Agency

• “There's a gap in our understanding of winds within clouds and storms.” — Professor Anthony Illingworth, University of Reading

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• “For the first time, WIVERN will provide global measurements of winds within clouds.” — ESA Official Statement

Leipzig researcher involved in new ESA space mission

• “Earth Explorer missions have consistently surpassed expectations, using breakthrough technology to deliver vital insights into our planet – from climate dynamics to ice melt and gravity.” — Simonetta Cheli, ESA

Uni of Reading makes history as second satellite mission selected by European Space Agency