Far infrared radiation is linked to cooler temperatures due to thermal radiation laws, revealing details about polar regions, ice clouds and water vapour, all affected by climate change. New measurements will help scientists study how thin, invisible ice clouds influence Earth's climate and how climate change alters these clouds, impacting the atmospheric radiation released into space. By validating climate change models, this could ultimately reduce uncertainty in climate change predictions.
Leonardo’s Space Programme Manager, Sarah Millo, said: “Far infrared radiation is not usually measured by Earth observation satellites, due to limitations of the available detectors for weather monitoring and climate missions. Our detectors fill this gap in climate models by validating actual far infrared emissions against existing models so that a comparison can be drawn. This is only possible due to the detectors’ broadband of operation which has previously supported the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) on MARS, so it is fantastic to see the technology being used much closer to home.”
Airbus was awarded the FORUM satellite prime contract in June 2022, with OHB appointed as instrument subcontractor. Shortly afterwards, Leonardo, Airbus, OHB and ESA entered into a contract to supply the DLaTGS IR detectors, with Airbus integrating the detectors into the mission’s primary instrument, supplied by OHB. FORUM is scheduled to launch in 2028.
Leonardo’s pyroelectric detectors were designed, built and tested at its centre of excellence in Southampton. These detectors draw on a long space heritage ranging from the Mars Rover to the Osiris-Rex mission to the Benu asteroid.
Sarah added: “The delivery of these detectors marks a major milestone for FORUM and showcases the very best of European space collaboration. Through close relationships with Airbus, OHB and ESA, our teams have delivered flight hardware that will be at the heart of the instrument playing a central role in advancing global climate science.”
FORUM Payload Manager at ESA, Felice Vanin, said: “FORUM will provide a completely new class of measurements that have been missing from our observation system for decades. By capturing the Earth’s far infrared emissions, these detectors enable us to close a critical gap in the planet’s energy budget. This is not just an incremental improvement; it's a step change in our ability to understand how heat is retained and released in the climate system, ultimately strengthening the accuracy of long-term climate projections.”
In addition to the company’s activities in the UK, Leonardo in Italy is developing a Thermal InfraRed Camera (FEI) for the FORUM mission, to be carried as a secondary payload on the satellite. The flight model is currently scheduled for delivery to the payload prime contractor in June 2026.