Bertin delivers the Source of the Wave Front Sensor of the IASI-NG instrument aboard MetOp satellites

This fall, Bertin Technologies delivered three wavefront analyzer calibration systems named SWFS to Airbus Defence and Space, the prime manufacturer of MetOp meteorological satellites. These equipment will soon be integrated into the innovative IASI-NG instrument intended for the in-depth analysis of the Earth's atmosphere (temperature, humidity, atmosphere composition, climate variables).

On board the European MetOp satellites, the IASI-NG New-Generation Infrared Atmospheric Sounder Interferometer aims at measuring the infrared spectrum of the radiations emitted by the Earth twice a day, to get temperature and humidity profiles with remarkable reliability: vertical resolution of 1 km, and accuracy of 1 °C for temperature and 10% for humidity. The IASI-NG instrument is supplied by the French Space Agency CNES (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales) to EUMETSAT, the European Organization for the exploitation of meteorological satellites.

To carry out such a mission, the IASI-NG instrument is equipped with the SWFS wave front analyser calibration system, which has to demonstrate high wavelength and optical power stability in complex environments (vibrations, temperature variations, solar radiation, etc.).

Within the framework of this project, Bertin Technologies was asked by Airbus Defence and Space to design, produce and test this on-board calibration system, whose good performances are essential to the proper calibration of the instrument over the complete spectral band of interest.

In addition to the continuous infrared measurements of the atmospheric spectra, IASI-NG will also enable climate study and offer a better understanding of the dynamic and chemical processes in the atmosphere, thus facilitating the pollution and air quality monitoring, as well as the forecast of extreme meteorological events.

After having supplied the Optical Fiber Link system to Airbus Defence & Space last September, Bertin Technologies is proud to contribute once again to this European programme aimed at improving weather forecasts and furthering climate change studies.