ESA Selects WIVERN as Next Earth Explorer Mission

After years of meticulous preparation and a rigorous evaluation process, the European Space Agency (ESA) has officially chosen WIVERN as its 11th Earth Explorer mission. This landmark decision was reached after extensive consultations and assessments conducted by ESA’s Advisory Committee for Earth Observation (ACEO) and the scientific community.

The genesis of WIVERN can be traced back to a 2020 call for innovative mission proposals aimed at reshaping our understanding of Earth science and satellite technology. Out of 15 initial proposals, four were shortlisted to undergo detailed examination. By 2023, competition narrowed down to two finalists: WIVERN and CAIRT. Following thorough evaluations and feedback sessions, ACEO recommended WIVERN as the prime candidate for implementation as the next Earth Explorer mission.

WIVERN, an acronym for wind velocity radar nephoscope, sets out to revolutionize our approach to meteorological phenomena. This pioneering mission will yield the first-ever measurements of wind within clouds, at the same time providing vital information about the internal structure of these clouds. Such data is critical as it will fill significant gaps within the global satellite observing system.

The mission is equipped with cutting-edge technology, notably a dual-polarization, conically scanning 94 GHz Doppler radar that covers an expansive 800 km swath. This advanced radar system is engineered to enhance weather forecasts, particularly concerning hazardous conditions, while also delivering crucial insights related to severe storms. Moreover, WIVERN aims to enrich the climate record pertaining to cloud and precipitation profiling, which is essential for understanding climate dynamics.

Simonetta Cheli, ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes, expressed enthusiasm over WIVERN’s selection, highlighting the mission’s potential to deliver groundbreaking scientific insights. “Earth Explorer missions have consistently surpassed expectations, using innovative technology to render vital insights into our planet—ranging from climate dynamics to ice melt and gravity,” she remarked.

WIVERN’s design and objectives underscore a broad spectrum of scientific and societal applications. Rune Floberghagen, Head of ESA’s Climate Action, Sustainability, and Science Department, emphasized that WIVERN surpasses its competitor CAIRT in terms of versatility and the extent of its scientific impact. “The exceptionally wide swath of WIVERN promises near-daily coverage of vast areas on Earth’s surface,” he noted, showcasing the mission’s capability to monitor atmospheric, oceanic, and cryospheric dynamics at once.

In contrast, the competing mission CAIRT, which stands for changing-atmosphere infrared tomography, would have played a pivotal role in elucidating the connections between climate change and atmospheric chemistry. Targeting the altitude range of 5 to 115 km, CAIRT had compelling scientific goals, addressing significant unknowns that hold potential benefits for society. Professor René Forsberg, Chair of ACEO, acknowledged the challenging decision to select WIVERN, underscoring the importance of CAIRT’s objectives and encouraging continued scientific exploration in its domain.

The selection of WIVERN as the Earth Explorer 11 mission marks a significant advancement in ESA’s pursuit of understanding Earth’s complexities. As we delve deeper into the intricacies of our planet’s atmosphere, the insights gained from WIVERN promise to enhance not only our meteorological forecasts but also our preparedness for the climatic challenges that lie ahead.