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Fraunhofer IAF Amplifiers Support Arctic Weather Satellite for Advanced Climate Observation
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Fraunhofer IAF Amplifiers Support Arctic Weather Satellite for Advanced Climate Observation
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Sep 17, 2024

The European Space Agency (ESA) launched the Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS) into a polar orbit 600 km above Earth on August 16, 2024. Onboard are four advanced low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics (Fraunhofer IAF) in Freiburg. These amplifiers are integral to the passive microwave radiometer, which will allow the AWS to measure temperature and humidity in the Arctic with unprecedented precision. The data collected will enhance understanding of Arctic climate conditions, which are crucial for studying global climate change. ESA plans to expand this mission globally by deploying a constellation of identical satellites to improve weather forecasting and climate monitoring worldwide.

LNAs are designed to improve signal quality by amplifying weak signals with minimal interference, making them easier to detect and analyze. "The more powerful a low-noise amplifier is, the more accurately and reliably a system can collect data. They play a major role in satellite-based Earth observation, as the microwave radiation that reaches the satellite radiometer is very weak," said Dr. Fabian Thome, Deputy Head of the High Frequency Electronics Business Unit at Fraunhofer IAF. "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."

Fraunhofer IAF LNAs Improve Precision of AWS Radiometer
The AWS radiometer features a rotating antenna that captures natural microwave radiation emitted by the Earth's surface. This data is fed to four receivers across 19 channels that span frequencies between 50 and 325 GHz. These channels provide detailed temperature and humidity profiles under all weather conditions.

Fraunhofer IAF supplied four LNAs for three key frequency ranges: a module for 54 GHz, two connected modules for 89 GHz, and one module for 170 GHz. These amplifiers utilize enhanced technologies based on indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) and metamorphic high-electron-mobility transistors (mHEMTs) for monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs).

Pioneering InGaAs mHEMT Technology for MMICs
"Fraunhofer IAF is a world leader in the development of transistors and circuits for satellite-based radiometry systems. Our modules define the state of the art in many performance areas," said Thome. Testing showed that the 54 GHz LNA achieved a noise figure of 1.0 to 1.2 dB with a gain of 28 to 31 dB, exceeding the current performance standards. The 89 GHz and 170 GHz modules also performed within the state of the art.

Fraunhofer IAF developed these modules in collaboration with ACC Omnisys, which built the radiometer system for OHB Sweden and ESA. The project involved a wide range of expertise, from microelectronics to precision mechanics, with all steps-design, material processing, testing, and assembly-handled by Fraunhofer IAF's integrated teams.

AWS Mission: A New Era of Climate Monitoring and Weather Forecasting
The AWS mission aims to improve the accuracy of weather data in the Arctic, enabling precise short-term forecasts for the polar region. This is especially valuable for "nowcasting"-forecasts for the next few hours. The Arctic's significant influence on global weather means the AWS data will also improve weather forecasting on a global scale. With climate change progressing faster in the Arctic than in other regions, the AWS will provide critical data on these rapidly changing conditions and their global impact.

If successful, the mission will expand to a full constellation under the EUMETSAT Polar System-Sterna (EPS-Sterna) program. Six satellites will be deployed in three orbits, with a total of 18 satellites planned over the course of the mission. This will provide long-term weather data from the polar regions. The first satellite in this series is scheduled for launch in 2029.

ESA's AWS and EPS-Sterna missions mark the adoption of the "New Space" approach, which focuses on faster, more cost-efficient project execution. The AWS satellite, weighing just 150 kg, went from concept to launch in only three years at a fraction of the cost of traditional projects. This approach also increases resilience, allowing for quick satellite replacements and flexible mission adaptations.

Related Links
Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics
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