ESA authorises Airbus to begin Aeolus-2 development

Building on the remarkable success of the Earth Explorer Aeolus wind mission, the European Space Agency has given Airbus Defence and Space in the UK the authorisation to proceed to begin the development of Aeolus’ successor, Aeolus-2 – which is set to be built to enhance operational weather forecasts.

Aeolus-2 will be developed as an operational meteorological mission, in collaboration with Eumetsat. It will be designed to provide continuous global wind profiles that will improve weather forecasting accuracy and strengthen atmospheric and climate monitoring capabilities worldwide from its launch in 2034.

The authorisation signed on 29 June 2026 provides Airbus Defence and Space in the UK permission to proceed with the initial implementation steps for this new mission.

Read full story: Authorisation paves the way for Aeolus-2 wind mission