First imagery from the GEMS2‑Amethyst satellite
Private weather‑satellite operator Weather Stream, based in Boulder, Colorado, announced the release of its inaugural microwave radiometer images. The instrument is mounted on the GEMS2‑Amethyst satellite, which was launched on March 30 as part of SpaceX’s Transporter 16 rideshare mission.
The data provide global measurements of atmospheric moisture in the microwave spectrum, marking the start of routine observations. The radiometer is capable of profiling water vapor across multiple tropospheric layers, delivering valuable inputs for weather forecasting and climate modeling.
Weather Stream intends to stream the measurements to its customers in near‑real time, targeting commercial forecasters as well as research institutions that require high‑resolution, worldwide data.
The launch took place from Launch Complex 40 at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Alongside GEMS2‑Amethyst, several other payloads shared the ride, helping to reduce launch costs for the operator.
Initial results will undergo internal validation over the next weeks before being made publicly available. Weather Stream notes that the radiometer leverages proven measurement principles but benefits from modern electronics that significantly improve accuracy compared with earlier models.