As part of the next generation of EUMETSAT satellite programmes, the EUMETSAT Polar System Sterna (EPS-Sterna) programme aims at complementing and expanding the Microwave Sounding capability of EPS-SG and JPSS by implementing a constellation of small microwave sounding satellites, which will improve the accuracy of numerical weather prediction (NWP) models globally as well as providing frequent observations for Nowcasting especially at high latitudes which are not well covered by the geostationary satellites (i.e. MSG and MTG).
EUMETSAT will be responsible of the development and operation of the EPS-Sterna System, while the satellites will be procured in cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA), as the EPS-Sterna satellites will be recurrent models of the ESA Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS) with minor adaptations. The initial constellation will be composed of 6 satellites in three different orbital planes that will be replenished throughout the mission lifetime of thirteen years. The EPS-Sterna programme will build on a number of existing assets from the EUMETSAT ground segment infrastructure as well as from the AWS development. This is done to ensure the overall mission affordability as well as a timely delivery of the initial constellation in orbit by 2029.
Interview of this post will be conducted during the first half of 2025. However, the contract for the successful candidate will only be issued after obtaining formal approval of the EPS-Sterna Programme by EUMETSAT Member States, expected in early-July 2025.