UK specialists to develop Aeolus successor

02/07/2026
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Airbus Space and Defence within the UK is ready to start the design and construct of the Aeolus-2 wind mission, following the signing of an authorisation to proceed settlement on the European Space Agency’s web site in Oxfordshire.  

Building on the success of the unique Aeolus satellite tv for pc, Aeolus-2 is anticipated to ship wind information that can improve operational climate forecasts, after its launch in 2034. It will probably be developed by Airbus in collaboration with ESA and Eumetsat.

The growth of Aeolus-2 as an operational mission is motivated by the spectacular efficiency of the primary Aeolus satellite tv for pc, which launched in 2018 on its mission to discover using Doppler lidar know-how to measure international wind profiles.

Also supported by Airbus groups within the UK, the unique Aeolus mission exceeded its deliberate design lifetime and outstripped its preliminary analysis goals, efficiently demonstrating the potential of Doppler wind lidar to enhance climate forecasts and deal with gaps in present observing networks.

UK Space Minister Liz Lloyd stated, “The UK has been on the forefront of satellite tv for pc climate forecasting for the reason that authentic Aeolus mission, and I’m delighted that Airbus Defence and Space UK will as soon as once more play a number one position on this subsequent chapter. Aeolus-2 will ship actual advantages for individuals throughout the UK, from extra correct climate forecasts that defend lives and communities, to the extremely expert jobs that come from being a key associate in Europe’s most formidable area science programmes.

“Our involvement in Aeolus-2 is made possible by the UK’s continued investment in the European Space Agency and EUMETSAT, ensuring British expertise and industry remain central to cutting-edge space science. This is exactly the kind of high-skilled, high-impact work that demonstrates the UK’s world-leading position in the global space sector.”

ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes, Simonetta Cheli, stated, “Aeolus exceeded expectations and demonstrated the transformative impact that space-based wind observations can have on weather forecasting. Aeolus-2 represents the natural evolution of that achievement – from pioneering research to an operational service that will benefit citizens and businesses worldwide.

“We are happy to provide the authorisation to proceed, which marks an important milestone in ensuring Europe remains at the forefront of atmospheric observation and meteorological innovation.”

Kata Escott, Managing Director of Airbus Defence and Space within the UK, stated, “Aeolus-2 is more than a scientific mission; it is a major investment in British talent. This project allows our highly skilled UK teams to apply their unique expertise to enhance weather monitoring and lead the way globally in Earth observation and science.” 

You can learn the total story on the event of Aeolus-2 on the Earth statement pages of esa.int.

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