Airborne observations research

What does this research involve? 

Our airborne observations research team studies how radiation moves through the atmosphere and how it interacts with the Earth's surface and clouds. To do this, they use special instruments called radiometers that are mounted on a research aircraft known as FAAM (Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurement).  

The instruments they use are the Microwave Airborne Radiometer Scanning System (MARSS), the International Sub Millimetre Airborne Radiometer (ISMAR), the Spectroscopic-system for EnviRonmental MONitoring (SERMON) and the Airborne Research Interferometer Evaluation System (ARIES).  

The instruments measure different types of radiation, including microwave, sub-millimetre, and infrared. These are the same kinds of measurements taken by weather satellites. 

What difference is the research making?

The data collected helps scientists improve how satellite information is used in weather forecasting models, check how well satellite instruments are working, and develop new ways to observe the atmosphere from space. 

What is happening now?

A major part of the team’s work relates to the development of future measurement techniques. This involves making aircraft-based demonstrations of technology proposed for future weather satellites, both to contribute to the development of the technology and to understand how to use it in our models. 

One of the current projects involves working with Spire Global and the SERMON radiometer. These are used to explore how detailed measurements of oxygen in the atmosphere could help future satellite instruments provide better weather data. 

This page was last updated in November 2025.