The UK is set to play a key role in the Aeolus‑2 Earth observation mission, with Airbus Defence and Space UK given authorisation to proceed with the build and development of the spacecraft. Aeolus‑2 is a wind lidar mission that is being developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) in partnership with EUMETSAT.
Aeolus-2 space segment signature ceremony between ESA and Airbus Defence and Space-UK. Credit: ESA Measuring winds from spaceIn our response to climate change, weather and climate services are among the most cost-effective adaptation measures available. Winds drive weather systems and influence climate, but they are difficult to measure consistently across the globe, particularly over oceans and remote regions.
Aeolus‑2 uses a Doppler wind lidar: a space-based instrument that measures wind velocity by analysing how light scatters from the atmosphere. The mission will provide regular, global observations of winds from ground level up to around 30 km.
Aeolus-2 will support more accurate weather forecasts, better climate models, and improved understanding of extreme weather. It should provide substantial improvements to wind forecasts, including jet stream location at aircraft cruising height, which impacts on safety, fuel loading, and flight duration. By sharpening the forecasts and the records on which adaptation depends, Aeolus-2 helps Europe to protect lives and infrastructure.
UK industry at the heart of the mission Credit: ESAAirbus teams in the UK will contribute expertise and build on their heritage from the original Aeolus mission, ‘Aeolus-1’, which exceeded its planned lifetime and whose data was adopted by weather services around the world.
As the 5th Earth Explorer mission, Aeolus‑1 demonstrated the value of direct wind measurements from space, helping to fill long‑standing gaps in global observing systems and improving forecasts at major weather centres, including the Met Office and European Centre for Medium‑Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF).
While we take positive actions for Earth's environment, it is crucial that we do the same for Earth’s orbit. Debris is crowding the space around Earth, raising risks to services we all rely on. In 2023, the Aeolus-1 mission ended with a first-of-its-kind assisted re-entry, using the satellites remaining fuel and capability to gradually lower Aeolus’ orbit and target a predictable descent. This allowed Aeolus to burn up safely, which reduced risk on Earth and mitigated space debris. This set a new standard for retiring satellites, while leaving a strong legacy for Aeolus-2.
Aeolus‑2 will build on this heritage by delivering more robust and long‑term wind observations, moving the technology from a research mission into routine operational use for meteorological services.
At the summer 2026 EUMETSAT Council, Member States made significant progress towards a consensus that will allow EUMETSAT to implement the Aeolus-2 (called EPS-Aeolus at EUMETSAT) programme, allowing development to progress with a launch planned for 2034.
Source: Space Observation Radar TIRA of Fraunhofer FHR – Final moments of Aeolus-1. Benefits for the UKUK involvement in Aeolus‑2 strengthens capability in Earth observation, climate science and weather resilience, while supporting highly skilled jobs and maintaining the UK’s leading role in Europe’s space programmes.
Once orbiting, Aeolus-2 will continue to enable benefits to the UK in the form of improved weather services. Measurable improvement in weather forecasting feeds into several sectors, including emergency response, national security, infrastructure, agriculture, transport, energy, water management, personal well-being, and more.
Simon Brown, Met Office Acting CEO and Head of UK EUMETSAT Delegation says:
“The work on Aeolus-2 is hugely important for UK industry and I am delighted we are developing innovative capability which helps us at the Met Office maintain our position as one of the leading global weather centres, keeping UK citizens safe and allowing the UK economy to thrive. Moving forward with this mission is testament to the European collaboration that takes place at ESA and EUMETSAT.”
seen at 10:42, 3 July in UK Space Agency blog.