Before assimilating EarthCARE radar data

ESA’s EarthCARE satellite was developed to make a unique set of simultaneous measurements that shed new light on the role that clouds and aerosols play in regulating Earth’s climate. Now, in a remarkable example of a research mission delivering direct practical benefits, global observations from the satellite’s cloud profiling radar are being used operationally by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts to improve daily weather forecasts – this landmark achievement marks the first time that cloud radar data from space have been assimilated into a global weather forecasting system.

The plot shows radar reflectivity along the satellite track on 10 June 2026 before EarthCARE data were assimilated into the model. 

Read full story: A first: EarthCARE cloud data sharpen weather forecasts