European Space Agency’s Harmony mission to rely on ABB infrared instruments

ABB, a global technology company, will create advanced thermal infrared (TIR) instruments for two new satellites from the European Space Agency (ESA). These satellites, called the Harmony satellites, are set to launch in 2029. They aim to gather detailed data on Earth’s changing climate, extreme weather, and land surface shifts. ABB’s new technology will help scientists better understand how our planet works and improve weather forecasting.

New Tools for Climate Study

The German space company, OHB System AG, has chosen ABB to make these special instruments for ESA’s Harmony mission. The satellites will have multispectral thermal infrared devices that can measure different environmental factors. These include sea surface temperatures, cloud positions, and cloud movements. With this data, scientists hope to get clearer information about climate change and extreme weather, like hurricanes. The financial terms of this project were not shared.

One of ABB’s key contributions is the ability to measure cloud positions and their movements from space. This will help ESA get precise temperature readings of clouds and the ocean. These measurements will give researchers a better understanding of how the climate is changing. Additionally, Harmony will offer new details about slight changes in land surfaces. This can include shifts caused by earthquakes and volcanic activity, helping to study geohazards in risky areas.

Combining Thermal and Radar Imagery

The two Harmony satellites will work alongside a Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite in orbit. The Harmony satellites will gather radar signals that bounce back from Earth, thanks to their synthetic aperture radar (SAR) instruments. At the same time, their thermal infrared tools will study the sea surface and track cloud positions and movement.

This combination of radar and thermal data will allow scientists to get a fuller picture of what’s happening on Earth. They can study how energy moves between the ocean and atmosphere, a key factor in extreme weather events. They will also gain insights into how ice melting from glaciers affects rising sea levels.

Impact on Climate Science

Experts from ESA and OHB System AG believe that ABB’s technology will be crucial for the Harmony mission. Florence Hélière, ESA’s Harmony Project Manager, shared her excitement, saying, “Harmony will give us valuable data for Earth science and climate research.” She emphasized that the contribution from partners like ABB is essential for the mission’s success.

OHB’s Project Manager, Agustina Alvarez Toledo, explained why they chose ABB: “We’ve worked with ABB on several space projects, and their expertise in infrared sensors is unmatched. We’re excited to continue this partnership to support scientific discoveries for both current and future generations.”

Jacques Mulbert, President of ABB Measurement & Analytics, highlighted the importance of this mission for ABB’s goals: “Our purpose is to create a more sustainable and efficient future. We’re proud to be part of a project that will help the world understand climate change. Our technology will provide accurate data on clouds and sea surfaces from space, helping to protect our planet for the future.”

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Key Goals of the Mission

The Harmony satellites will help scientists collect a vast amount of data about Earth. By observing the upper layers of the ocean, the satellites will help explain heat exchanges that can trigger extreme weather. This research is also vital for understanding the long-term impacts of global warming. Scientists will also get more details on how melting ice contributes to rising sea levels.

The Harmony mission will last several years, during which the satellites will orbit Earth, changing their formation to get the best possible data. This research will deepen our understanding of how our planet’s systems work together and how they are changing over time.

About ABB

ABB is a leading global company specializing in electrification and automation. With over 140 years of history, ABB has more than 105,000 employees around the world. The company’s focus is on helping industries operate efficiently and sustainably. ABB’s shares are listed on both the SIX Swiss Exchange and Nasdaq Stockholm.