UK — The European Space Agency authorised Airbus Defence and Space in the UK to begin development of the Aeolus-2 mission on June 29, 2024. The mission is designed to provide continuous global wind profiles and is scheduled for launch in 2034.

Aeolus-2 is being developed in collaboration with Eumetsat. The new mission will succeed the original Aeolus satellite, which was launched in 2018. The Aeolus satellite was the first to directly measure global wind profiles from space using Doppler wind lidar technology.

Aeolus-2 will carry two lasers, each twice as powerful as the laser on the original Aeolus satellite. Ben Boyes, the European Space Agency Aeolus-2 Project Manager, stated, "Building on the lidar heritage of both Aeolus and EarthCARE, Aeolus-2 will carry two lasers, each twice as powerful as Aeolus', with an upgraded and more robust instrument design capable of reliably delivering the high-quality wind data that operational meteorological services require." He added, "Aeolus was a trailblazing mission that demonstrated, for the first time, the immense value of measuring global winds directly from space." Boyes said, "This next-generation mission will ensure that global wind observations become a permanent component of the weather forecasting infrastructure, helping societies around the world prepare for increasingly complex weather and climate-related challenges."

Simonetta Cheli, the European Space Agency Director of Earth Observation Programmes, commented on the predecessor mission. Cheli said, "Aeolus exceeded expectations and demonstrated the transformative impact that space-based wind observations can have on weather forecasting." She added, "Aeolus-2 represents the natural evolution of that achievement – from pioneering research to an operational service that will benefit citizens and businesses worldwide." Cheli stated, "We are happy to provide the authorisation to proceed, which marks an important milestone in ensuring Europe remains at the forefront of atmospheric observation and meteorological innovation."