Airbus to build Aeolus-2 wind-monitoring satellite

2026-07-05 · Source: SpaceNews · Field: Science & Research — Space Science & Astronomy, Environmental Science & Earth Systems, Engineering & Applied Sciences · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected Airbus Defence and Space to develop Aeolus-2, a successor wind-monitoring satellite, with an initial contract worth 51 million euros (\$58.3 million). Building on the original Aeolus, launched in 2018 and reentered in 2023, Aeolus-2 is targeted for a 2034 launch. It will feature an updated lidar instrument, based on both Aeolus and EarthCARE missions, capable of collecting global wind profile data from the surface to 30 kilometers every hundredth of a second, achieving full global coverage every seven days. The new instrument will carry two lasers, each twice as powerful as Aeolus's, and an additional instrument for atmospheric aerosols. ESA is partnering with Eumetsat, which plans to integrate Aeolus-2 data into operational weather forecast models. Airbus will construct the satellite at its facilities in the United Kingdom.

Key takeaway

For meteorologists and climate scientists, Aeolus-2 represents a significant upgrade to global wind and aerosol data availability. You should anticipate integrating higher-resolution, more robust lidar data into your operational forecast models by 2034. This mission ensures a permanent, enhanced component for weather forecasting infrastructure, aiding in preparing for increasingly complex weather and climate challenges. Plan for improved atmospheric insights to refine your predictive capabilities.

Key insights

Aeolus-2 will provide enhanced global wind and aerosol data for operational weather forecasting, building on successful lidar technology.

Principles

• Build on proven space-based lidar technology.
• Foster international collaboration for operational missions.
• Continuously improve Earth observation capabilities.

In practice

• Integrate Aeolus-2 data into forecast models.
• Utilize lidar for precise wind profile collection.
• Measure atmospheric aerosols for climate studies.

Topics

• Aeolus-2
• Wind Monitoring
• Lidar Technology
• Earth Observation
• Weather Forecasting
• Airbus Defence and Space
• European Space Agency

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by SpaceNews.