The Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS) was launched on 16 August 2024 at 20:56 CEST (11:56 local time) aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. First contact with the satellite was made at 03:06 CEST on 17 August.
The satellite was developed and built by OHB Sweden on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA). The small satellite, with a total mass of just 150 kilograms, is starting its one-year mission. It uses a passive microwave radiometer to measure temperature and humidity profiles in the Arctic – a region where data has been insufficient for precise short-term weather forecasts. But this data is urgently needed to improve global climate models, because the polar regions play a key role in global climate change. This is particulary true for prolonged periods of heat and cold.
AWS is a precursor to the EPS Sterna satellite constellation. EPS Sterna will comprise three generations of six small satellites in three Earth orbits, delivering precise weather data from the polar regions over the long term. The constellation will complement existing satellite systems such as MetOp-SG from EUMETSAT and JPSS from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
STT has supplied the S-Band Communications Unit (SSTRC-1000 TMTC) for the satellite and is proud to be involved in the success of this very important and innovative mission.
https://www.ohb.de/en/news/ohb-celebrates-successful-launch-of-the-first-arctic-weather-satellite