ABB has secured a contract with L3Harris Technologies, a major U.S. defense company, to develop and supply a high-resolution infrared interferometer system for L3Harris’s advanced hyperspectral infrared (IR) sounder. This sounder will be placed on Japan’s Himawari-10 satellite, which is being built by Mitsubishi Electric. The satellite will be used to map Earth’s atmosphere in 3D over the Asia-Pacific region for the next ten years.
The IR sounder will be positioned in geostationary orbit, about 36,000 kilometers above Earth. This will allow the Japan Meteorological Agency to improve its weather predictions, especially for severe weather events, and enhance long-term forecasting. With a revisit time of just 30 minutes, the system will provide much more data than current systems, helping improve the quality and speed of weather forecasting.
Atmospheric sounders are advanced optical instruments that measure important atmospheric properties like temperature, humidity, and movement. These measurements are critical for accurate weather predictions. While Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites can capture data from anywhere on Earth, they can only update information twice a day, which can create gaps in weather data. In contrast, Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites stay in a fixed position over the equator, providing frequent data updates. However, GEO satellites are too far from Earth to use microwave sounders, making IR sounders the best option for capturing detailed, time-lapsed 3D weather data.
“Since their introduction in 2011 on the NASA/NOAA NPP satellite, hyperspectral IR sounders have transformed weather forecasting,” said Dr. Frederic Grandmont, Space Technology and Business Development Manager at ABB Measurement & Analytics. “The Himawari-10 mission will boost forecasting accuracy for Japan and the Asia-Pacific region, with benefits for global weather predictions as well.”
This new contract builds on ABB’s previous work with L3Harris. The two companies previously collaborated to provide six interferometers for the U.S. Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) on polar-orbiting satellites since 2011. ABB, a leader in electrification and automation, has over 140 years of experience and about 110,000 employees worldwide. The company focuses on helping industries achieve greater efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.
ABB’s Process Automation division plays a key role in the digitalization and electrification of industrial operations, addressing important global needs, from energy and water supply to the production and transportation of goods. Through its cutting-edge technology, ABB helps industries operate more efficiently and sustainably.
