The EUMETSAT Polar System-Second Generation (EPS-SG) aims at providing new and better global observations of weather and climate from the polar orbit data. This information shall further improve weather forecasts up to 10 days ahead in Europe and worldwide. The EPS-SG system comprises two series of Metop-SG satellites - Metop-SG A and B - equipped with complementary instruments.
Metop-SG A is a series of three atmosphere sounding and imaging satellites equipped with a suite of microwave and hyperspectral infrared instruments and two advanced optical imagers. On board of the satellites there’s a MWS (MicroWave Sounder): a cross-track scanning microwave radiometer, measuring the total power, atmospheric brightness temperature in 24 channels over the frequency range from 23.8 GHz up to 229 GHz, to provide atmospheric temperature and humidity.
Metop-SG B consists of three microwave imaging satellites delivering radar observations of ocean surface wind and soil moisture, and passive microwave observations of precipitation and ice clouds. Among the instruments on board there’s a MicroWave Imager (MWI): a conically scanning total power microwave radiometer with 18 channels with a frequency coverage from 18 GHz up to 183 GHz, to provide precipitation monitoring and sea ice extent information. Metop-SG B satellites also include an Ice and Cloud Imager (ICI): a conically scanning radiometer, providing brightness temperature measurements in 11 channels, ranging from 183 GHz up to 664 GHz, to measure the cloud ice water path, properties, and altitude.
isardSAT is in charge of the re-engineering of the L1b local processor prototypes of three microwave radiometers (the MWS, the MWI, and the ICI), ensuring they become operational for the EPS-SG local mission.