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Space Project • ESA Mission

Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS)​

An ESA polar-orbiting constellation using a microwave radiometer to provide hourly atmospheric temperature and humidity profiles — essential for nowcasting in the Arctic and global weather forecasting.
Our Contribution
Technical Data
Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS). Image credit: ESA/Mlabspace

Mission Overview

Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS)

The ESA Arctic Weather Satellite mission demonstrates how a potential constellation of polar-orbiting satellites can provide valuable data for short-term weather forecasting and nowcasting in the Arctic and worldwide. Equipped with a cross-track scanning microwave radiometer, the satellite collects precise measurements of atmospheric humidity and temperature.
MISSION

EWS AWS

Orbit

Sun-synchronous, polar

Customer

OHB Sweden / ESA

Status

Completed

Our Contribution

Drive System for the Rotating Main Reflector in the Microwave Radiometer

MACCON develops and manufactures the scanner drive for the microwave radiometer for AAC Omnisys (Omnisys Instruments AB). The compact, redundant drive unit combines a motor and encoders and moves the instrument across the field of view with high speed stability.

Microwave Radiometer Source: AAC Clyde

Constant Rotational Speed

The scanner must rotate the radiometer at approximately 0.8 Hz with exceptional uniformity, enabling the 19 frequency channels to record calibrated profiles during each revolution.

Redundancy for Mission-Critical Operation

Redundant windings and encoders ensure full operation throughout the mission even in the event of a single component failure.

Space-Qualified Mechanics

Bearings, materials and lubricants are designed for vacuum conditions, temperature cycling and radiation exposure in polar low Earth orbit (LEO).

Key Facts

Technical Data

An overview of the key specifications of the instrument and our scanner mechanism.

19

Frequency Channels

Microwave Spectrum

~0,8 Hz

Rotational Speed

Maintained Constant

±60°
Scan Angle from Nadir
 
Cross-Track Scan
3 + 1

Receivers

Heterodyne + Direct Detector

2x

Windings

Redundant

2×

Encoders

Magnetoresistive, Redundant

Project Profile

At a Glance

AAC Clyde Space Case Study
Customer

AAC Omnisys

Client

ESA/ OHB Sweden

Application

Microwave Sounder

Scope of Supply

Scanner Mechanism

Status

Completed

Industry

Space

MACCON

Your Partner for “Motion Under Control” in Aerospace

From space missions to advanced aircraft, MACCON is committed to keeping motion under control in the aerospace industry. We provide not only high-end components but also complete solutions, drawing on decades of expertise and strong technology partnerships to meet demanding specifications. Our motion control solutions help aircraft manufacturers, satellite developers and research institutions achieve their goals quickly and reliably. MACCON is a trusted partner for advanced aerospace motion control, delivering innovative, future-ready systems that perform reliably when it matters most.
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Contact

Let’s Talk About Your Project

Do you have a specific application or technical challenge? Our engineering team supports you from technical consulting and system design through to the delivery of suitable drive components and complete motion control solutions for demanding projects.
Discuss Your Project

sales@maccon.de

+49 (0)89 65 12 20 0

MACCON GmbH & Co. KG • Aschauerstraße 21 • 81549 München

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