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Why Do We Measure Earth's Temperature From Space? — From ATSR to SLSTR

RAL Space has contributed to an instrument series that has provided continuous surface temperature data for over 40 years.

The fourth and final Sea and Land Surface Temperature (SLSTR) left RAL Space in 2026 after completing its calibration campaign. SLSTR flies on board the Sentinel-3 satellites, which measure daily, global sea and land surface temperatures and continue the legacy of the Along Track Scanning Radiometer instruments developed in the 1980s.

We spoke to our Calibration & Validation Lead, Dave Smith, about why SLSTR’s data matters, the heritage behind this long‑running instrument series, and the expertise that the team has contributed over the years.

Earth Observation Case Studies

CAITDM: Measuring the Upper Atmosphere for Improved Climate Modelling

RAL Space are developing a quantum sensor system to address data gaps in climate and atmospheric modelling.

Why Do We Measure Earth’s Temperature From Space? — From ATSR to SLSTR

RAL Space has contributed to an instrument series that has provided continuous surface temperature data for over 40 years.

SOLSTICE: A new instrument to plug gaps in climate data

RAL Space is developing SOLSTICE: an miniaturised instrument aiming to plug critical gaps in Earth observation data.

The EO Data Hub: A gateway to the UK’s Earth observation data

The EO Data Hub platform is enhancing decision-making processes across sectors by integrating high-quality, space derived data.

RAL Space joins reference global greenhouse gas monitoring network

RAL Space is part of a global network providing accurate measurements of atmospheric greenhouse gases, helping to ensure international agreements on emissions targets can be met.

EarthCARE: Unlocking the Climate Secrets of Clouds and Aerosols

The European-Japanese Earth Cloud Aerosol and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE) mission is shedding new light onto the role that clouds and aerosols play in regulating Earth’s climate.

HyMS: licensing revolutionary weather forecasting technology

Technology developed at RAL Space has been licensed to Spire Global and is set to transform how we approach weather forecasting technology.

MicroCarb: Mapping Carbon Emissions from Space

RAL Space supported instrument development and environmental test for Europe's first satellite dedicated to monitoring atmospheric carbon dioxide - the main greenhouse gas responsible for climate change.
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