Europe launches satellite to measure the wind

Soft, smooth

Europe launches satellite to measure the wind

The launcher Vega will transport a European satellite on Tuesday from Kurú, in French Guiana, destined to measure the winds on the planet, inside the observation program of the earth Copernicus.

"For the fifth launch of the year, the first with Vega, Arianespace puts the & # 39; Aeolus & # 39; satellite in orbit, & # 39 ;, the company said in a statement .

The launch is scheduled for Tuesday at 21.20 GMT (local time 18:00). It takes about 55 minutes from the start and the separation of the rocket satellite.

Built by Airbus Defense and Space, the satellite will provide scientists and meteorologists with direct measurements at regular intervals.

"& # 39; Aeolus & # 39; will explore the atmosphere with a powerful laser and should help us to understand the dynamics at the level of the tropics and the processes that influence the climate variability, but especially the weather forecasts to improve, "the European Space Agency on its website.

& # 39; Aeolus & # 39; is part of the Copernicus program of the European Union (EU) for monitoring the environment. "This new mission will be carried out by Arianespace for the European Space Agency by the 50th," recalls the launch company.

AFP