Page 201 - International Space Station Benefits for Humanity, 3rd edition.

Improving Climate Models on Earth Microwave Radiometry—
Climate models are essential in forecasting global Passive Remote Sensing of the Earth
changes in Earth’s climate and weather, and in in Decimeter Wavelength Range
determining the role humanity plays in these changes. The thermal radio emission of natural objects in
These models require input parameters. One of decimeter wavelength range carries important
the major factors that influences Earth’s climate information about their state and, freely penetrating
is the sun. Therefore, studying the sun and through the Earth’s atmosphere, can be received and
understanding how it influences Earth has a measured by a special device—a radiometer—at a
significant effect on such models. considerable distance from the objects themselves
(e.g., from a satellite). Performing satellite radio-
thermal observations allows all-day, all-season and
all-weather (i.e. practically independent of the state
Climate models are essential in of the atmosphere) research and monitoring of the
environment and its change in planetary scales.
forecasting global changes in Therefore, satellite radiometry is a unique tool for
Earth’s climate and weather, and Earth exploration.
in determining the role humanity
plays in these changes.
In 2011, a space experiment,

Microwave Radiometry, was
conducted aboard the Russian
The European Space Agency (ESA) Sun Monitoring
on the External Payload of Columbus (Solar) facility Segment of the ISS.
measured the spectrum of solar radiation over a
period of 9 years, ending in 2017, far extending its
original planned lifespan of 18 months to 2 years.
These measurements generated a wealth of data
during the approximately 11-year solar cycle—
i.e., a regular period of increasing and decreasing
solar activity. These data help scientists better
understand and deal with all aspects influenced by
solar radiation. The Solar facility data contribute to
the understanding of solar and stellar physics and
Earth System sciences such as atmospheric
chemistry and climatology. Data from the Solar
facility have already helped validate improved models
of the upper atmosphere, which is important for
climate modelling. The data also contribute to
improving the accuracy of navigation data, as
well as the orbit forecasts of satellites and debris.
The facility undertook significant activities such
as performing simultaneous measurements with
ESA’s Venus Express spacecraft close to the transit
of Venus across the sun, thus enabling in-orbit
calibration of a Venus Express UV spectrometer.
Extended measurements were also performed during Placement of scientific equipment RK-21-8
an entire sun rotation cycle, which lasts around 26 days onboard the Russian Segment of the ISS.
at the solar equator and up to 36 days at the solar Image credit: ROSCOSMOS
poles. This produced excellent scientific results.

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