Observing the Earth http://www.esa.int ESA Observing the Earth newsspaceen-us600Copyright 2009 European Space Agencyrss@esa.intFri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0100Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:38:00 +0100http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss CryoSat: green light for launch campaign ESA’s CryoSat ice mission has completed its Flight Acceptance Review, confirming that all the mission components are ready for launch, which is planned for 25 February 2010 from Baikonur. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEM03Q2D62G_index_0.html SEM03Q2D62GFri, 20 Nov 2009 13:07:00 +0100 First SMOS data received This image is the first data sent to Earth by the MIRAS instrument on ESA's SMOS satellite, launched on 2 November. It was acquired as part of the initial functional verification test since the instrument was switched on on Tuesday. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMDGULX82G_index_0.html SEMDGULX82GFri, 20 Nov 2009 10:30:00 +0100 SMOS satellite instrument comes alive The MIRAS instrument on ESA's SMOS satellite, launched earlier this month, has been switched on and is operating normally. MIRAS will map soil moisture and ocean salinity to improve our understanding of the role these two key variables play in regulating Earth’s water cycle. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMQRJOC02G_index_0.html SEMQRJOC02GThu, 19 Nov 2009 10:30:00 +0100 Abstract deadline extended for Living Planet Symposium At the request of scientists, the abstract submission deadline for ESA’s Living Planet Symposium, to be held from 28 June – 2 July 2010 in Bergen, Norway, has been extended from 15 November to 1 December. The meeting will provide a forum for scientists to discuss the latest results and technologies related to Earth observation satellite data exploitation. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMCNO5RN1G_index_0.html SEMCNO5RN1GTue, 17 Nov 2009 08:36:00 +0100 Climate studies to benefit from 12 years of satellite aerosol data Aerosols, very small particles suspended in the air, play an important role in the global climate balance and in regulating climate change. They are one of the greatest sources of uncertainty in climate change models. ESA's GlobAerosol project has been making the most of European satellite capabilities to monitor them. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMTWP5RN1G_index_0.html SEMTWP5RN1GTue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 Tackling new Arctic challenges from space International scientists, researchers and decision makers met at the ‘Space and the Arctic workshop’ to identify the needs and challenges of working and living in the rapidly changing Arctic and to explore how space-based services can help to meet those needs. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEM91OCUE1G_index_0.html SEM91OCUE1GThu, 5 Nov 2009 09:11:00 +0100 SMOS forms three-pointed star in the sky Following the launch of ESA’s SMOS satellite on 2 November, the French space agency CNES, which is responsible for operating the satellite, has confirmed that the instrument’s three antenna arms have deployed as planned, and that the instrument is in good health. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMM1MCUE1G_index_0.html SEMM1MCUE1GTue, 3 Nov 2009 17:30:00 +0100 Two new ESA satellites successfully lofted into orbit ESA PR 28-2009. The second satellite in ESA’s Earth Explorer series – the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission – and the second demonstration satellite under ESA’s Project for Onboard Autonomy (Proba-2) were launched into orbit last night from northern Russia. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMNEYAOE1G_index_0.html SEMNEYAOE1GMon, 2 Nov 2009 02:58:00 +0100 SMOS and Proba-2 ready for launch The Russian State Commission has given the go-ahead to fuel the Rockot launcher that will take ESA's SMOS and Proba-2 satellites into orbit. This formal authorisation confirms that launch can take place on 2 November at 02:50 CET (01:50 UT). ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMRO2CUE1G_index_0.html SEMRO2CUE1GFri, 30 Oct 2009 15:18:00 +0100 ESA calls for ideas for climate change experiments from ISS ESA is looking for ideas to use the International Space Station as a platform to conduct research into global climate change. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMNU0CUE1G_index_0.html SEMNU0CUE1GFri, 30 Oct 2009 13:13:00 +0100 Follow the launch of ESA's SMOS and Proba-2 satellites ESA PR 27-2009. ESA's SMOS (Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity) and Proba-2 (PRoject for OnBoard Autonomy) satellites are scheduled for launch on Monday 2 November at 02:50 CET on a Russian Rockot launcher from the Plesetsk cosmodrome in northern Russia. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMTCIWVA1G_index_0.html SEMTCIWVA1GWed, 28 Oct 2009 10:31:00 +0100 Finnish university and industry celebrate their contribution to SMOS With the launch of ESA’s Earth Explorer SMOS satellite just a few days away, the Helsinki University of Technology has been celebrating and reflecting on the contribution they and Finnish industry have made to SMOS. Together, their efforts proved fundamental to the consolidation of the mission concept. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMD5UZRA0G_index_0.html SEMD5UZRA0GWed, 28 Oct 2009 09:00:00 +0100 SMOS and Proba-2 installed in launch tower In readiness for launch on 2 November, ESA’s SMOS and Proba-2 satellites – encapsulated in the launcher fairing – have been transported from the cleanroom and installed in the launch tower at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEM37VZRA0G_index_0.html SEM37VZRA0GTue, 27 Oct 2009 14:31:00 +0100 Strong support for GMES at space conference At the conference on ‘The Ambitions of Europe in Space’, which was held on 15 and 16 October in Brussels, the GMES initiative was presented as a programme of fundamental importance for Europe’s future. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMQQYYRA0G_index_0.html SEMQQYYRA0GTue, 20 Oct 2009 08:58:00 +0100 Satellite data look behind the scenes of deadly earthquake Using satellite radar data and GPS measurements, Chinese researchers have explained the exceptional geological events leading to the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake that killed nearly 90 000 people in China’s Sichuan Province. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMPT7YRA0G_index_0.html SEMPT7YRA0GThu, 15 Oct 2009 05:16:00 +0100 Satellite data instrumental in combating desertification With land degradation in dryland regions continuing to worsen, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification has agreed on scientist-recommended indicators for monitoring and assessing desertification that signatory countries must report on. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEM3LCXRA0G_index_0.html SEM3LCXRA0GWed, 7 Oct 2009 09:40:00 +0100 ESA issues call for Earth Explorer proposals As part of ESA’s Earth Observation Programme and its continuing endeavour to address critical Earth science issues, the Agency has released an opportunity for scientists to submit proposals for the eighth Earth Explorer mission. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMMYIF280G_index_0.html SEMMYIF280GFri, 2 Oct 2009 09:21:00 +0100 GOCE delivering data for best gravity map ever Following the launch and in-orbit testing of the most sophisticated gravity mission ever built, ESA’s GOCE satellite is now in ‘measurement mode’, mapping tiny variations in Earth’s gravity in unprecedented detail. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMNBNKIWZF_index_0.html SEMNBNKIWZFWed, 30 Sep 2009 13:43:00 +0100 February launch for ESA’s CryoSat ice mission As members of the media visit IABG’s spacecraft test centre in Germany to learn more about ESA’s CryoSat mission and view the satellite, a new target launch date of 28 February 2010 has been announced. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMZT6W0EZF_index_0.html SEMZT6W0EZFMon, 14 Sep 2009 12:35:00 +0100 ESA campaign reveals glimpse of future Sentinel-3 imagery As part of the development process for ESA’s Sentinel-3 Earth observation mission, remote-sensing experts carried out an extensive experiment campaign across southern Europe this summer. The results provide valuable insight into the imagery the mission will deliver after it is launched in 2013. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMOW432BZF_index_0.html SEMOW432BZFWed, 9 Sep 2009 08:09:00 +0100 CryoSat ready for launch: Media Day at IABG/Munich ESA PR 21-2009. On Monday 14 September media representatives will have the opportunity to attend an in-depth CryoSat background briefing at IABG’s spacecraft test centre in Ottobrunn near Munich, Germany. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEM5KGFF5ZF_index_0.html SEM5KGFF5ZFFri, 4 Sep 2009 13:34:00 +0100 ESA helps make summer in the city more bearable As temperatures soar, scientists have been collecting data amid the ancient ruins that symbolise the birthplace of western culture. These data, combined with measurements from aircraft and satellites, promise to improve 'urban heat island' forecasts to make life in modern-day Athens easier during heat waves. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMVNMH7KYF_index_0.html SEMVNMH7KYFThu, 27 Aug 2009 09:10:00 +0100 DLR carries out mountain campaign for Aeolus As part of the preparatory activities for the Aeolus mission, the German Aerospace Centre DLR performed a campaign on Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze. The clean mountain air was needed to provide the right conditions to investigate what effects the atmosphere would have on the return signal of the satellite's core instrument. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEM6IKH7KYF_index_0.html SEM6IKH7KYFWed, 26 Aug 2009 14:34:00 +0100 Greek fires seen from space ESA’s Envisat satellite captures thick clouds of smoke billowing from wildfires that have been raging through Greece and are threatening the capital, Athens. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEM0S8H7KYF_index_0.html SEM0S8H7KYFMon, 24 Aug 2009 15:16:00 +0100 ESA investigates new methods of mapping tropical forest from space Tropical rainforests play a crucial role in Earth's carbon cycle by absorbing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in biomass. However, mapping these carbon stocks from space poses a huge technical challenge. An airborne campaign, being carried out in South America, is showing how spaceborne radar could be an answer. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEM9U1H7KYF_index_0.html SEM9U1H7KYFFri, 21 Aug 2009 10:39:00 +0100 Ground segment declared ready for CryoSat mission An Earth observation mission does not just involve the building of a satellite, it also includes the all-important infrastructure to control the satellite and handle the data – the ground segment. As ESA prepares for the launch of the CryoSat mission at the end of the year, its associated ground segment is now ready. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMX9Z061YF_index_0.html SEMX9Z061YFFri, 7 Aug 2009 14:19:00 +0100 GMES Sentinel Data Policy information day ESA and the EC will host an Industry Information Day on the GMES Sentinel Data Policy on 11 September 2009 in Brussels. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEM84N161YF_index_0.html SEM84N161YFThu, 23 Jul 2009 10:44:00 +0100 ESA and EUMETSAT sign GMES Framework Agreement ESA and EUMETSAT, the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites, signed on 20 July a Framework Agreement on the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) Programme. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMU8X3FEXF_index_0.html SEMU8X3FEXFThu, 23 Jul 2009 10:44:00 +0100 New ESA sounder sees through ice to unveil Greenland bedrock An airborne campaign carried out over Greenland has demonstrated that a new ESA instrument, called Polaris, can see through the ice sheet to reveal how snow has accumulated, the structure of the ice layers and the underlying bedrock. This dataset is now available online. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMY5A7CTWF_index_0.html SEMY5A7CTWFTue, 14 Jul 2009 15:33:00 +0100 New SMOS validation instruments ready for action With SMOS set to launch in November, preparations for the long-term monitoring and validation of the mission's data are moving ahead as three new purpose-built instruments are now ready to ship to key European validation sites. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMC1Y6CTWF_index_0.html SEMC1Y6CTWFFri, 10 Jul 2009 13:44:00 +0100 Satellite sensor maps global atmospheric ammonia emissions Using radiation measurements obtained by the MetOp satellite, scientists have produced the first complete map of global ammonia emissions – a pollutant of key environmental concern. The map, based on observations throughout 2008, shows inaccuracies in current ammonia inventories and identifies new hotspots. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMXKB6CTWF_index_0.html SEMXKB6CTWFTue, 7 Jul 2009 08:47:00 +0100 Agreement between the Netherlands and ESA signed for Sentinel-5 Precursor instrument An agreement between ESA and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs has just been signed that cements the Tropomi instrument as a national contribution for the GMES Sentinel-5 Precursor mission. The signature also means that construction of the instrument can now start. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMP8BLXOWF_index_0.html SEMP8BLXOWFMon, 6 Jul 2009 11:20:00 +0100 China environmental phenomena monitored from space Western China is a very seismically active area and has had many catastrophic earthquakes during its history. A joint European-Chinese team is using satellite radar data to monitor ground deformation across major continental faults in China to understand better the seismic cycle and how faults behave. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEME84S7NWF_index_0.html SEME84S7NWFFri, 3 Jul 2009 05:16:00 +0100 World Day to Combat Desertification focuses on human security Human security is under threat from desertification, land degradation and drought. Combating this threat requires an integrated international response, which is why the theme for this year’s World Day to Combat Desertification is ‘Conserving land and water = Securing our common future’. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMQRG3XTVF_index_0.html SEMQRG3XTVFWed, 17 Jun 2009 09:40:00 +0100 ESA study paves the way for a better understanding of space weather Earth observation satellites in low orbit are continually buffeted by the wisps of atmosphere that remain. Predicting how much air drag a satellite can encounter is critical to the design, cost and operation of a mission - an ESA study shows how. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEM7YX2XTVF_index_0.html SEM7YX2XTVFMon, 15 Jun 2009 16:19:00 +0100 GOCE achieves drag-free perfection ESA's gravity mission GOCE has achieved a first in the history of satellite technology. The sophisticated electric propulsion system has shown that it is able to keep the satellite completely free from drag as it cuts through the remnants of Earth's atmosphere – paving the way for the best gravity data ever. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMGUV0OWUF_index_0.html SEMGUV0OWUFTue, 26 May 2009 09:07:00 +0100 ESA map reveals European shipping routes like never before A synoptic view of European shipping routes can be seen for the first time thanks to a new map created using seven years of radar data from ESA’s Envisat satellite. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMBDI0OWUF_index_0.html SEMBDI0OWUFFri, 22 May 2009 10:59:00 +0100 ISRSE symposium limelight shines on GMES As the implementation of GMES gathers pace, the initiative has been heralded as the 'cornerstone of global Earth observation' at the 33rd International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment (ISRSE), which is being held this week in Stresa on the shore of Lake Maggiore in northern Italy. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEM0920YDUF_index_0.html SEM0920YDUFFri, 8 May 2009 11:02:00 +0100 ESA extends its TIGER project ESA kicked off the second phase of its TIGER initiative at the Fifth World Water Forum in Istanbul, Turkey. The initiative was extended at the request of African water authorities at the First African Water Week in Tunis last year. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEM36RANJTF_index_0.html SEM36RANJTFFri, 8 May 2009 08:59:00 +0100 A glimpse of future GMES Sentinel-1 radar images A new campaign marks an important step in preparing for how data from the Sentinel-1 European Radar Observatory will be used for applications such as land-cover mapping and crop management. Sentinel-1 is the first of the five missions that ESA is developing for the GMES initiative. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEM1FCANJTF_index_0.html SEM1FCANJTFThu, 23 Apr 2009 09:00:00 +0100 GOCE’s ‘heart’ starts beating GOCE’s highly sensitive gradiometer instrument has been switched on and is producing data. Forming the heart of GOCE, the gradiometer is specifically designed to measure Earth’s gravity field with unprecedented accuracy. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMUKIEH1TF_index_0.html SEMUKIEH1TFWed, 8 Apr 2009 09:00:00 +0100 GOCE's electric ion propulsion engine switched on GOCE's sophisticated electric ion propulsion system has been switched on and confirmed to be operating normally, marking another crucial milestone in the satellite's post-launch commissioning phase. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMSZCEH1TF_index_0.html SEMSZCEH1TFMon, 6 Apr 2009 15:00:00 +0100 Science community to discuss benefits of ESA's Swarm mission With ESA's magnetic field mission due for launch in less than two years, the Agency is organising the Second Swarm International Science Meeting. The meeting will provide the forum for leading scientists, as well as students, to discuss how data from the mission can address challenges in fields of science associated with geomagnetism. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEML35KTYRF_index_0.html SEML35KTYRFTue, 24 Mar 2009 16:34:00 +0100 GOCE completes early orbit phase ESA's GOCE satellite was formally declared ready for work at 01:00 CET on 20 March. During the critical Launch and Early Orbit Phase beginning with separation from its booster on 17 March, GOCE was checked out to confirm that all of its control systems are operating normally. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMZ8TJTYRF_index_0.html SEMZ8TJTYRFFri, 20 Mar 2009 15:00:00 +0100 GOCE: Critical operations ongoing After liftoff 17 March, ESA's GOCE spacecraft is performing very well, having achieved an extremely accurate injection altitude of 283.5 km, just 1.5 km lower than planned. The Mission Control Team is now working round-the-clock shifts to implement a series of critical check-out procedures. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMOKLJTYRF_index_0.html SEMOKLJTYRFWed, 18 Mar 2009 17:00:00 +0100 ESA call for new Mission Advisory Group members Following the selection of the BIOMASS, CoReH2O and PREMIER candidate Earth Explorer mission concepts for Feasibility Study, ESA is setting up Mission Advisory Groups. Scientists from the Earth Science community are now invited to apply for membership of these Groups. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMJB7CDNRF_index_0.html SEMJB7CDNRFTue, 3 Mar 2009 10:15:00 +0100 Three ESA Earth science missions move to next phase ESA has announced three candidate Earth Explorer mission concepts to progress to the next phase of consolidation. This selection is part of the user-driven process that will lead to the launch of the Agency's seventh Earth Explorer satellite in the 2016 time frame. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMI9NBDNRF_index_0.html SEMI9NBDNRFMon, 2 Mar 2009 08:30:00 +0100 Quest for new Earth Explorer leads scientists to Lisbon Portugal, historically home to many an explorer, has just hosted an important international meeting where six new ESA Earth Explorer mission concepts were presented to and discussed by the scientific community. The missions all propose new ways of obtaining a better understanding of how the Earth system works. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEM2O6WPXPF_index_0.html SEM2O6WPXPFThu, 22 Jan 2009 15:33:00 +0100 Satellites help locate water in Niger Like most sub-Saharan African countries, Niger faces problems meeting its water needs. As part of ESA’s TIGER initiative, satellite data are being used to identify surface and underground water resources in the drought-prone country. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEMRA6VPXPF_index_0.html SEMRA6VPXPFMon, 19 Jan 2009 08:59:00 +0100 Landmark year ahead for Earth observation science missions With three Earth Explorer satellites set to launch this year, another three under construction and up to three more about to be selected for feasibility study, 2009 promises to be a significant year for ESA's contribution to Earth science – paving the way to a clearer understanding of how our planet works. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMFCIVPXPF_index_0.html SEMFCIVPXPFFri, 16 Jan 2009 11:23:00 +0100 High-altitude aircraft help unravel complexities of atmosphere Aircraft capable of flying
20 km above the surface of the Earth are being used to test instruments that could be carried on satellites to improve our understanding of how atmospheric chemistry and climate are linked. These types of high-altitude experiments support the candidate Earth Explorer PREMIER mission. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMCU3UTGOF_index_0.html SEMCU3UTGOFTue, 13 Jan 2009 11:14:00 +0100 Scientists spend a white Christmas in Antarctica The idea of a white Christmas may seem magical for many of us, but spare a thought for a team of scientists forgoing the festive season to take part in a novel campaign being carried out in one of the most inhospitable regions on Earth to support ESA's ice mission CryoSat. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMP03TTGOF_index_0.html SEMP03TTGOFMon, 22 Dec 2008 08:18:00 +0100 Arctic sea ice thinning at record rate The thickness of sea ice in large parts of the Arctic declined by as much as 19% last winter compared to the previous five winters, according to data from ESA’s Envisat satellite. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMTGPRTKMF_index_0.html SEMTGPRTKMFTue, 28 Oct 2008 09:11:00 +0100 Physicist delivers Arctic snow-depth data in support of CryoSat For most of us, a holiday means taking it easy. Not so for physicist Leanne Guy whose ardent interest in science and passion for the polar environment means she sometimes 'holidays' in the icy reaches of the Arctic. On a recent occasion, her drive and enthusiasm have also been of benefit to ESA. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMTOJP4KKF_index_0.html SEMTOJP4KKFThu, 11 Sep 2008 11:49:00 +0100 Hurricane Ike tracked by ESA’s Envisat Residents along the Gulf Coast are bracing for Hurricane Ike as it travels over the Gulf of Mexico after ripping through Cuba and Haiti. ESA’s Envisat satellite is tracking the storm, which is forecast to make landfall on the Texas coast by 13 September. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEM23LP4KKF_index_0.html SEM23LP4KKFThu, 11 Sep 2008 09:13:00 +0100 Earth Observation highlights at ILA Space Pavilion The Berlin International Airshow's Space Pavilion hosted a contract signing for ESA's EarthCARE satellite, highlighting the benefits stemming from the Agency's Earth observation programme.

Vodcast

Play now | Download ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMNQ6NKRGF_index_0.html SEMNQ6NKRGFThu, 29 May 2008 10:00:00 +0100 EarthCARE satellite contract signed ESA PR 28-2008. The European Space Agency and Astrium GmbH have today signed a contract worth €263 million to provide the EarthCARE satellite, the sixth Earth Explorer mission of ESA’s Living Planet Programme. As prime contractor, Astrium GmbH is responsible for the satellite’s design, development and integration. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMMBQ1YUFF_index_0.html SEMMBQ1YUFFTue, 27 May 2008 14:12:00 +0100 Arctic explorer delivers unique snow-depth data for CryoSat Following a formidable 106-day trek across the Arctic, which ended with the two Arctic Arc expedition members relying on Envisat images to guide them safely through disintegrating sea-ice, intrepid polar explorer Alain Hubert recently visited ESA to handover a unique set of snow-depth measurements. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMNJE1YUFF_index_0.html SEMNJE1YUFFFri, 23 May 2008 11:59:00 +0100 Satellites take sustainability to new heights Shell Canada has incorporated Earth Observation data into its Sustainable Development Report, demonstrating the potential of satellites to provide a global and cost-effective way to measure objectively the sustainability of business activities. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEM8P5M5NDF_index_0.html SEM8P5M5NDFTue, 25 Mar 2008 08:45:00 +0100 Meteosat Third Generation on track ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes, Dr Volker Liebig, and EUMETSAT Director General, Dr Lars Prahm, have exchanged letters to document the understanding achieved between the two organisations on cooperation and coordination regarding the approval process of the respective Meteosat Third Generation programmes. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMV0E29R9F_index_0.html SEMV0E29R9FFri, 7 Dec 2007 09:45:00 +0100 ESA celebrates 30 years of Meteosat Thirty years ago tomorrow, Europe's first geostationary weather satellite - Meteosat-1 - was launched by the then-young European Space Agency.
Full story
]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMMBR63R8F_index_0.html SEMMBR63R8FThu, 22 Nov 2007 10:00:00 +0100 Construction of Swarm satellites to begin Understanding more about the Earth's magnetic field has just come one step closer now that the preliminary design and definition phase of ESA's Swarm mission is complete. In accordance with this important milestone, the project celebrates moving off the 'drawing board' and prepares for the construction of the Swarm satellite constellation. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMQXVUOM8F_index_0.html SEMQXVUOM8FThu, 8 Nov 2007 14:33:00 +0100 ESA to provide essential launch control services to EUMETSAT ESA and EUMETSAT, the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites, agreed today that ESA will provide essential launch control services for the last two Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellites, MSG-3 and MSG-4. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEM5I2NHE8F_index_0.html SEM5I2NHE8FTue, 6 Nov 2007 09:45:00 +0100 ADM-Aeolus Announcement of Opportunity ESA is pleased to announce the release of an Announcement of Opportunity (AO), which aims exclusively at calibration and validation activities in support of the ADM-Aeolus mission. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMIA57H07F_index_0.html SEMIA57H07FMon, 1 Oct 2007 14:23:00 +0100 Critical laser components stand the test of time for ESA's wind mission Aeolus The ADM-Aeolus (Atmospheric Dynamics Mission) project has just passed another milestone with the confirmation that the laser diode stacks, which are the core components of the mission's instrument, have successfully passed their long-lifetime test - demonstrating that they will endure the three years of operation in space. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMQT7ARR1F_index_0.html SEMQT7ARR1FWed, 6 Jun 2007 12:02:00 +0100 Swarm Mission Advisory Group - membership application now open As the Earth Explorer Swarm mission progresses into Phase C/D of its development, ESA is inviting scientists who wish to apply for membership of the Swarm Mission Advisory Group (MAG) covering Phase C/D and E1 to do so via the Mission Advisory Group Application website. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMC2W9RR1F_index_0.html SEMC2W9RR1FMon, 4 Jun 2007 11:00:00 +0100 International cooperation boosts EarthCARE With the design consolidation phase soon to start for ESA's EarthCARE mission, scientists and engineers from around the world recently met to discuss preparations for a mission that is being implemented with the cooperation of Japanese partners to address the need for a better understanding of how the interactions between clouds, aerosols and solar radiation regulate climate. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEM2SK8RR1F_index_0.html SEM2SK8RR1FFri, 18 May 2007 08:55:00 +0100 MetOp-A takes up service EUMETSAT has just reported that Europe entered a new era of meteorology and climatology when MetOp-A, Europe’s first polar-orbiting meteorological satellite, was on 15 May 2007 officially declared operational after only six months of commissioning. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMYSD8RR1F_index_0.html SEMYSD8RR1FWed, 16 May 2007 08:47:00 +0100 First ozone and nitrogen dioxide measurements from MetOp-A The Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment-2 (GOME-2) on board MetOp-A launched in October 2006 and currently undergoing commissioning has delivered the first geophysical products for monitoring the Earth's ozone layer, and European and global air quality. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMXQCQ08ZE_index_0.html SEMXQCQ08ZEWed, 14 Mar 2007 08:47:00 +0100 EarthCARE Mission Advisory Group - application closed http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMEB0N5NDF_index_0.html SEMEB0N5NDFThu, 1 Mar 2007 12:17:00 +0100 Three MetOp-A instruments ready for routine operation Eumetsat reports that the AMSU-A, GRAS instruments and the Search and Rescue package carried on MetOp-A have been functionally checked and declared ready for routine operation. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMVBSSMTWE_index_0.html SEMVBSSMTWEWed, 31 Jan 2007 11:11:00 +0100 EarthCARE Mission Advisory Group - membership application now open As the Earth Explorer EarthCARE mission progresses into Phase B of its development, ESA is inviting scientists who wish to apply for membership of the EarthCARE Mission Advisory Group (MAG), to do so via the Mission Advisory Group Application website. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMLY9QJNVE_index_0.html SEMLY9QJNVEMon, 8 Jan 2007 09:26:00 +0100 MHS ready for routine operation Following a series of functional and performance tests, the Microwave Humidity Sounder carried on MetOp-A has been declared ready for routine operation. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEM4MOQJNVE_index_0.html SEM4MOQJNVEWed, 20 Dec 2006 09:20:00 +0100 IASI first measurement data available EUMETSAT reports that the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) carried on MetOp-A was successfully put into nominal operation mode on 27 November 2006 over the ground station on Svalbard, Norway. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMPDT8L6VE_index_0.html SEMPDT8L6VEFri, 1 Dec 2006 15:47:00 +0100 First Level-1 HIRS and AVHRR (IR) products After the nominal two-week out-gassing period, the High Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS/4) and the channels 3B, 4, and 5 of the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR/3) carried on MetOp-A, were switched-on on 21 November at 13:00 UTC. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMPLGANMUE_index_0.html SEMPLGANMUEWed, 22 Nov 2006 14:00:00 +0100 First GRAS bending angle shows instrument to be in excellent working order Weather forecasting and climate monitoring are set to improve as the first results from the Global Navigation Satellite System Receiver for Atmospheric Sounding (GRAS) instrument carried on MetOp-A show that the instrument is working perfectly. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMS84ANMUE_index_0.html SEMS84ANMUEFri, 17 Nov 2006 15:28:00 +0100 Proceedings of Swarm workshop now available Following the first international workshop dedicated to the Earth Explorer Swarm mission, the proceedings are now available on CD by request. The CD holds the 93 presentations that were given at the workshop, photos and the list of participants. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEM49JZBYTE_index_0.html SEM49JZBYTEThu, 2 Nov 2006 09:31:00 +0100 Scientists and engineers meet to further ESA’s wind mission Almost 100 scientists and engineers from all over the world gathered at ESA-ESTEC in Noordwijk, the Netherlands to take part in a workshop dedicated to the Atmospheric Dynamics Mission ADM-Aeolus, one of the upcoming ESA Earth Explorer missions. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMRGVKKKSE_index_0.html SEMRGVKKKSETue, 3 Oct 2006 15:56:00 +0100 Swarm featured in special edition of Earth Planets and Space The latest special issue of the Earth Planets and Space publication features a collection of 12 papers covering many aspects of ESA's magnetic mission Swarm. The articles are from many disciplines and summarises the results of a variety of research efforts that have recently been conducted as part preparing for the Swarm mission. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEM5YH8ATME_index_0.html SEM5YH8ATMEFri, 5 May 2006 14:43:00 +0100 ESA's magnetic field mission holds first international workshop Due for launch in less than four years, the development of ESA's magnetic field mission Swarm is well underway; thus, it is now time to bring together scientists and students who work in the field of geomagnetism to discuss how this mission will be of benefit. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMIB8OVGJE_index_0.html SEMIB8OVGJEThu, 23 Mar 2006 09:48:00 +0100 First test flights of ALADIN airborne prototype exceed expectations The ADM-Aeolus mission has just passed another milestone with the success of the first ALADIN Airborne Demonstrator (A2D) test flights. Essentially, the aim was to ensure that the A2D was compatible with the aircraft; however, it was also revealed that the A2D was receiving atmospheric backscatter data, which went beyond what was expected from these first flights. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMM45ULWFE_index_0.html SEMM45ULWFEMon, 21 Nov 2005 10:18:00 +0100 ADM-Aeolus laser bursts into life A major milestone has just been reached in the ADM-Aeolus project as the transmitter-laser prototype emits its first light pulses in ultra-violet. The laser forms the heart of Aeolus's innovative ALADIN payload and since it is a completely new instrument, these first light pulses signify a technological breakthrough. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEM6WG7X9DE_index_0.html SEM6WG7X9DEMon, 12 Sep 2005 12:52:00 +0100 ADM-Aeolus testing successfully completed A significant milestone in ESA's wind mission ADM-Aeolus has just been reached with the successful completion of a series of crucial mechanical tests. These tests, which took place at ESA-ESTEC in the Netherlands, have demonstrated clearly that the satellite structure and the ALADIN payload will be able to withstand the harsh conditions of launch. ]]> http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMFVJ6DIAE_index_0.html SEMFVJ6DIAEWed, 13 Jul 2005 17:07:00 +0100