A satellite mission developed by a University of Reading scientist is set to improve forecasts of severe storms and hazardous weather.

WIVERN, short for wind velocity radar nephoscope, has today (Tuesday, 23 September) been selected as the European Space Agency’s 11th Earth Explorer Mission. It will provide the first direct measurements of winds within clouds and storms - filling a major gap in current weather observations.

The satellite’s concept was led by Professor Anthony Illingworth, Professor of Atmospheric Physics at the University of Reading. Professor Illingworth also led the successful EarthCARE satellite mission launched in 2024. The adoption of WIVERN means he is the first scientist to have two Earth Explorer satellites adopted.

Professor Anthony Illingworth said: "There's a gap in our understanding of winds within clouds and storms. WIVERN will change that. For the first time, we'll see how winds behave inside these systems, which helps us predict when they'll become dangerous.

“The satellites I have helped develop will help to keep people safe from extreme weather. EarthCARE and WIVERN will work together to give us a complete picture of what's happening inside storms and clouds. This means we can give people better warnings about dangerous weather, whether that's a hurricane heading for the coast or flash floods from heavy rainfall.”

The mission will scan an 800-kilometre swath of Earth's surface using a dual-polarisation, conically scanning, 94 GHz Doppler radar. This will improve forecasts of hurricanes, thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall by showing exactly how winds move within weather systems.

The satellite will also measure rain, snow and ice, contributing data to climate records and helping scientists understand how weather patterns are changing.

WIVERN’s journey began in 2020, when ESA launched a Call for Ideas for bold new missions that could push the boundaries of Earth science and satellite technology. From 15 proposals, four were subsequently shortlisted for detailed study. In 2023, that shortlist was narrowed further to two contenders before WIVERN was selected.

ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes, Simonetta Cheli, said: “After a rigorous selection process, we are excited to welcome WIVERN to the Earth Explorer family and we are eager to see the groundbreaking science it will deliver.

“Earth Explorer missions have consistently surpassed expectations, using breakthrough technology to deliver vital insights into our planet – from climate dynamics to ice melt and gravity.”

#SpaceStars: Reading research that is out of this world

#SpaceStars is a season of activities at Reading this autumn (September to October 2025) set to shine a celestial light on the astronomical expertise at Reading, and sharing the latest discoveries about our solar system with everyone. Find out more via University of Reading news page

Images: Professor Anthony Illingworth at the Reading University Atmospheric Observatory.