France-based Arianespace has been contracted to launch European Space Agency’s (ESA) Atmospheric Dynamics Mission (ADM-Aeolus) satellite by next year.

The deal is worth €32.57m.

To be launched aboard a Vega light launch vehicle from Kourou, French Guiana, the satellite is a part of Europe’s Earth explorer programme.

Once launched, ADM-Aeolus will provide global observations of 3D wind profiles from space, as well as help scientists to filter the known characteristics and improve techniques for modelling and analysing the Earth’s atmosphere.

The ADM-Aeolus mission will also help enhance the quality of weather forecasts and climatology research.  

"The ADM-Aeolus mission will also help enhance the quality of weather forecasts and climatology research." 

Weighing nearly 1,400kg at launch, ADM-Aeolus will be equipped with three modules, namely an atmospheric laser doppler instrument (Aladin), which is a direct-detection lidar; a platform based on the one used for the Mars Express spacecraft; and solar array.

After launching, the satellite will be inserted into Sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 320km.

As a prime contractor for the ADM-Aeolus mission, Airbus Defence and Space is also responsible for the Aladin instrument.

ESA said that the mission would carry ultraviolet lasers to space for the first time and would provide slices through the world’s winds and information on aerosols and clouds.

Last year, a Vega rocket lifted off the Sentinel-2A ESA Earth observation satellite into space.

Image: The ADM-Aeolus launch contract signing ceremony. Photo: courtesy of ESA.