Aeolus: Payload Ground segment operations. Status, performances and evolution

After about 1.5 years in operations, the Aeolus Ground Segment is performing very well for all core functions including X-band data acquisition, mission planning, systematic science data production in Near Real Time, data access, data archival and thus continues to secure successfully important operational mission objectives.

Aeolus Payload Ground Segment operations are implemented through a set of service contracts that are either based on a full service approach, e.g. for payload data acquisition, or on a delegated service approach as for systematic data production and mission planning, in which ground segment components specifically developed for Aeolus mission are operated. The Services performances are agreed and measured through service level agreements.

Global scientific payload data acquisition is guaranteed by KSAT with the combined usage of Svalbard and Troll X-band receiving stations. Level-2B and Level-2C products are systematically generated at ECMWF, European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts.

The current performances of the overall Aeolus ground segment will be provided, including its operations and planned evolution in the near future.