ADM-Aeolus satellite preparations. European Space Agency (ESA) wind mission satellite ADM-Aeolus (Atmospheric Dynamics Mission Aeolus, centre) ready to be encapsulated in its Vega rocket fairing. This satellite, launched on 22 August 2018, is intended to provide data on winds, aerosols (atmospheric particles) and clouds. It has a single instrument, a Doppler wind lidar (laser-based sensor) called ALADIN. It will probe the lowermost 30 kilometres of the atmosphere, and will be the first wind lidar in space. Data will be used to help improve weather forecasts, such as the prediction of mid-latitude cyclone systems. Photographed in the cleanroom at Europe's spaceport near Kourou, French Guiana, in August 2018. |