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EPS-Sterna

Microsatellites to fill a gap in weather observations

Numerical weather prediction uses computer simulations of the atmosphere to model how the weather will evolve over time. Its accuracy relies, in part, on the number of microwave sounding observations that are assimilated into models to infer the temperature and humidity of the atmosphere.

Last Updated
12 March 2026

Published on
05 October 2023

The EUMETSAT Polar System – Sterna (EPS-Sterna) is a new programme fully funded by EUMETSAT that will deploy a constellation of microsatellites. Each microsatellite will carry a state-of-the-art microwave sounder designed to deliver high-quality observational data in support of operational meteorology and climate monitoring.

The initial constellation is composed of six satellites in sun-synchronous polar orbits. In only five hours or less, the microwave sounders on these satellites will make observations covering 90% of the globe.

The microwave sounder will measure energy reflected off the Earth’s surface in the microwave range of frequencies. Because it makes measurements beyond the visible range, it can provide temperature and humidity observations even when it is overcast, raining, or snowing.

EPS-Sterna will significantly improve the accuracy of numerical weather prediction models by providing data globally with unprecedented coverage and revisit time. In addition, the mission will have a large impact over the poles, where geostationary satellites have little visibility and Metop polar-orbiting satellites need longer to achieve global coverage.

EPS-Sterna will orbit the Earth in a polar orbit, complementing the observations from satellites in the EUMETSAT Polar System – Second Generation (EPS-SG), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), and the Chinese FengYun-3 (FY-3) system.

The EPS-Sterna programme approval process was successfully completed on 21 January and it is currently in development.

Facts and Figures

Altitude: 595km

Mass in orbit: 135kg

Payload mass: 30kg

Design lifetime: 5 years

Mission duration: 13 years

Expected launch date of the first six satellites: 2029

Main image:

Credit: ESA

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https://www-cdn.eumetsat.int/files/2023-11/EPS_SEB_FullReport_FINAL.pdf

The social and economic benefits of EPS-Aeolus and EPS-Sterna - full report

https://www-cdn.eumetsat.int/files/2023-11/Summary_FINAL.pdf

The case for EPS-Aeolus and EPS-Sterna

The socio-economic benefits of EPS-Aeolus and EPS-Sterna.

https://www-cdn.eumetsat.int/files/2026-06/prgfs03_EPS-SternaFactSheet.pdf

Towards EPS-Sterna

Facts and figures

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