ABB has secured a contract with L3Harris Technologies, a prominent U.S. defense firm, to design and produce a high-resolution infrared interferometer system for L3Harris’s next-generation hyperspectral infrared (IR) sounder. This system will be onboard Japan’s Himawari-10 satellite, developed by Mitsubishi Electric, and will be used to map Earth’s atmosphere in 3D over the Asia-Pacific region for the next decade.
The L3Harris infrared sounder will be positioned in geostationary orbit at 36,000 km above Earth, enabling the Japan Meteorological Agency to improve predictions of severe weather events and enhance long-term forecasts. The system will also provide a 30-minute revisit time, significantly boosting the amount and quality of data available for weather prediction models compared to current capabilities.
Atmospheric sounders are cutting-edge optical instruments that analyze atmospheric properties such as temperature, humidity, and movement, essential for accurate weather forecasting. While Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites can cover the entire globe, they can only update data twice a day, leading to gaps in time-sensitive weather information. In contrast, Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites remain stationary over the equator, offering a much higher data refresh rate. However, GEO satellites are too far from Earth to use microwave sounders, making IR sounders the only instruments capable of capturing detailed, time-lapsed, 3D weather data.
“Hyperspectral IR sounders, first introduced in 2011 on the NASA/NOAA NPP satellite, revolutionized weather forecasting,” said Dr. Frederic Grandmont, Space Technology and Business Development Manager at ABB Measurement & Analytics. “The Himawari-10 mission will further enhance forecasting accuracy for Japan and the Asia-Pacific region, with improvements benefiting global long-term weather predictions.”
This contract builds upon a previous agreement between ABB and L3Harris, in which ABB supplied six interferometers for the U.S. Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) aboard polar-orbiting satellites launched since 2011. ABB is a global leader in electrification and automation, helping industries achieve greater efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. With over 140 years of experience and approximately 110,000 employees worldwide, ABB is focused on enabling a sustainable, resource-efficient future.
ABB’s Process Automation division drives the digitalization and electrification of industrial operations, addressing key global needs, from energy and water supply to the production and transportation of goods. With its leading technology, ABB helps industries become leaner and more sustainable.
