The ADM-Aeolus satellite’s second Aladin laser prior to closure showing the complexity of the 80 optical components contained within a relatively small space of 45 x 34 x 20 cm, about the size of a large shoe-box, and weighing around 30 kg.
The mission will provide profiles of the world’s winds as well as information on aerosols and clouds. These profiles will not only advance our understanding of atmospheric dynamics, but will also offer much-needed information to improve weather forecasts.