Satellite system aims to improve forecasting of extreme weather

News

A new entity has launched that aims to improve the monitoring and forecasting of extreme weather and natural disasters with a constellation of 40 satellites.

Orbital Micro Systems (OMS) and Edinburgh University are both involved in the newly formed International Centre for Earth Data (ICED), which will gather, process and deliver weather information from public and commercial sources for researchers, governments and commercial enterprises around the world.

ICED aims to provide near real-time monitoring and improved forecasts for sectors such as insurance, agriculture, aviation, and shipping.

Based at Edinburgh University, the programme will capture and analyse data from OMS' planned constellation of 40 satellites - each about the size of a large shoebox. These missions will include the first launch of the recently announced UK spaceflight programme, using the planned spaceport on Scotland's north coast.

The technology will be equipped with microwave sensors to gather quarter-hourly updates on global conditions such as temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure. The resulting data stream will be interpreted and delivered to clients across the world to enable near real-time decision making and high-value forecasts.

Register now to continue reading

Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage, as well as premium content including opinion, in-depth features and special reports.  

Benefits of registering

  • In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends

  • Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year

  • Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox

Register
Or continue by

Signing in with your registered email address