MetSprite, a 21st century alternative to weather balloons

Atmospheric profiles taken by Radiosondes (weather balloons) are an essential component of our Earth observation system. These observations are an integral part of the climate record and essential for accurate forecasting. In recent decades, satellite platforms have vastly increased the number of remote observations and thereby improved forecast skill. Whilst satellite observations have excellent horizontal resolution, their vertical resolution is poor and must be complemented by in-situ vertical profiling.

In-situ observations are typically performed by Radiosondes. However, their increasingly high marginal cost (due increased cost of helium & labour) and the pollution inherent in their operation has prevented the expansion of Radiosonde networks. Globally there are 800 Radiosonde sites launching twice per day, with the majority in the northern-hemisphere, and only 7 sites in the UK. Whilst advances in computing allow higher resolution forecast models, the observations required to feed these models are struggling to keep up.

The first few kilometres of the atmosphere, the planetary boundary layer, is where the majority of human activity occurs, and where the weather is most complex and has the highest socio-economic impact. It is therefore the most critical and challenging region for observations. A data gap exists in the region above the ground observation network (≤10m) and airliner cruise altitude (10km), which is currently only addressable by the sparser Radiosonde network.

Menapia has developed MetSprite to address this data gap. MetSprite is a specialist weather resistant drone with an inbuilt atmospheric sensor package (traceable calibration) and an airframe optimised for vertical profiling. The increased payload and re-usability allows multiple advanced sensing systems to be flown on MetSprite, such as for detection of gases, aerosols, particulates, and radiation. A profiling mission can be flown with the push of a button on the web interface. An inbuilt parachute, autonomy, and redundant systems make it BVLOS ready, for remote operation and high altitudes.

MetSprite’s cost per profile is over an order of magnitude lower than a Radiosonde, whilst achieving higher fidelity and a wider range of operating conditions. With a faster, more efficient climb rate it can reach an altitude of over 10km (wind dependent). This range allows it to capture the full planetary boundary layer at any point on Earth, and even reach stratospheric heights at high latitudes. Unlike a Radiosonde, the ascent rate and position of a MetSprite can be controlled, slowing down to capture fine details such as inversion layers. By comparison, the ascent of a Radiosonde is uncontrolled and the first 300m is usually discarded due to sensor settling time.

Initially MetSprite is offered to researchers exploring atmospheric phenomena in greater detail. Soon after Menapia will release it’s DiaB solution for full pilotless operation, suitable for integration in the observation networks of national meteorological organisations and private forecasting companies.

Whilst Radiosondes still have the best peak altitude performance, they are out performed by Menapia’s MetSprites on cost, sensing performance, spatial and temporal resolution. The potential for the next step change in forecast skill is here.