Past Projects

AMSU-B/HSB/MHS

Operating in the frequency range 89—191GHz, the AMSU-B (Advance Microwave Sounding Unit-B) programme provided three flight modes by the Met Office to NOAA for their NOAA- 15, 16 and 17 platforms..The MMS/BAe team then went onto build and test HSB, the Humidity Sounder for Brazil, adapted from the AMSU-B design. HSB was part of the payload complement for NASA’s EOS-Aqua mission.

MHS is Eumetsat’s follow-on to AMSU-B. Sula Systems provided the required systems engineering support to the original MHS flight programme. The radiometry team has been involved with MHS at Astrium through provision of a wide range of activities from design review to support on test for radiometric calibration.

 

Global Precipitation Mission : ESA’s Phase A Study of EGPM

This ESA study addressed all aspects of the mission including the ground segment and was undertaken by a team led by Carlo Gavazzi Space. Support was provided by Sula Systems to CGS as payload lead, with a special emphasis on ensuring mutual compatibility between the precipitation radar and microwave radiometer (MWR). It was also responsible for the definition of the MWR, supported by a team that included RAL, Com Dev UK and Saab Ericsson Space (now RUAG Space AB). A cost effective, low risk instrument design was developed that was compatible with the demanding timescales imposed by the overall EGPM programme.

 

ESA Study of Mission and Instrument Requirements to Observe Cirrus Clouds at Sub-millimetre Wavelengths

This study derived a comprehensive set of scientific requirements to observe cirrus clouds. From this a complete set of mission and instrument requirements for a sub-millimetre wave radiometer were derived and a preliminary mission and instrument concept established. Sula Systems were responsible for managing the overall study and leading the engineering team that included MAAS and RPG. The science team was led by Prof. Stefan Buehler of the University of Lulea.

 

Study of Future Microwave Sounders for Meteorological Applications in Geostationary and Medium Earth Orbits

This study examined the scientific basis and derived requirements for a Geostationary (or Medium Earth) Orbit for the Post MSG era. Mission and instrument concepts were examined and a design and development plan derived. User aspirations focused on Nowcasting applications. Design solutions concentrated on the use of sub-millimetre-waves for imaging to enhance spatial resolution. Study management, systems engineering, mission analysis, and mechanical engineering were provided, with MAAS and RAL in support. The Met Office provided the user requirements with support from the University of Bremen and ECMWF.

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NASA's EOS Aqua Mission

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Microwave Radiometer for EGPM

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CIWSIR Sub Millimetre-wave Radiometer Concept

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Millimetre-wave Sounder for Geostationary and Elliptical Orbits