In a major step towards improving weather forecasting and climate monitoring, the European Space Agency (ESA) successfully launched the Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS) in mid-August 2024, marking a breakthrough in satellite-based Earth observation. Aboard this satellite are four cutting-edge low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF. These amplifiers utilize world-leading InGaAs metamorphic high-electron-mobility transistor (mHEMT) technology, designed to boost the satellite’s ability to gather and process weak microwave radiation signals from the Earth.
A Leap for Arctic Weather Forecasting
The AWS, currently in low-Earth orbit at around 600 km above the surface, represents ESA's commitment to enhancing our understanding of the Arctic region, a key area impacted by climate change. Using a state-of-the-art microwave radiometer, equipped with Fraunhofer IAF’s LNAs, the satellite can capture precise data on temperature and humidity levels in the Arctic, contributing to global weather prediction models and offering valuable insights into climate dynamics.
Dr. Fabian Thome, Deputy Head of the High-Frequency Electronics Business Unit at Fraunhofer IAF, emphasized the significance of their involvement: “It is a great confirmation and motivation that we are contributing to better research into the Arctic and its effects on the global climate with our LNAs.”
The Role of Fraunhofer IAF’s Technology
LNAs are vital for satellite communication, enhancing the quality of incoming signals by amplifying weak microwave radiation with minimal background noise. This improves the sensitivity of the system, making it easier to detect and analyze weather patterns. Fraunhofer IAF has developed four LNAs for the AWS, operating in key frequency ranges (54 GHz, 89 GHz, and 170 GHz), each tailored to monitor temperature and humidity under various atmospheric conditions.
Thanks to their world-leading InGaAs mHEMT technology, Fraunhofer IAF's LNAs set a new benchmark in satellite radiometry. The LNA module for the 54 GHz frequency range, for example, achieved a noise figure between 1.0 and 1.2 dB with significant signal amplification, outperforming previous technology standards.
Preparing for a Global Satellite Constellation
The success of the Arctic Weather Satellite is only the beginning. ESA plans to launch a global constellation of small satellites, known as the EUMETSAT Polar System – Sterna (EPS-Sterna), to extend these high-precision observations worldwide. This constellation will include six satellites operating simultaneously across three different polar orbits, with a planned launch date for the first set in 2029. This will enable even more accurate and frequent weather forecasts, particularly in remote and weather-sensitive polar regions.
The AWS mission also represents ESA’s adoption of the "New Space" approach, which emphasizes faster development times and lower costs, using smaller, more resilient satellite systems. If successful, this could revolutionize weather monitoring by providing continuous, up-to-date data through flexible satellite networks.
Showcasing at European Microwave Week 2024
From September 24-26, 2024, Fraunhofer IAF will present its AWS LNA modules and other high-frequency electronics at the European Microwave Week (EuMW) in Paris. Researchers from the institute will also lead discussions on advanced microwave and millimeter-wave technologies, providing insights into the future of satellite communications and Earth observation.
With their innovations in satellite technology, Fraunhofer IAF continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, supporting both scientific discovery and practical solutions to pressing global challenges like climate change.
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