Scientists have made progress in the development of a millimeter-wave atmospheric sounder that enables more effective monitoring of typhoons and other weather from space.

　　A statement by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) national space science center (NSSC) said the geostationary millimeter-wave atmospheric sounder demonstrator, developed by the NSSC and the European Space Agency (ESA), has passed a review.

　　Geostationary millimeter-wave atmospheric sounding, to be used on Earth observation satellites, can perform real-time three-dimensional monitoring of severe weather, according to Wu Ji, an NSSC researcher.

　　While it is difficult for optical observation devices to "see through" clouds, millimeter-wave devices allow satellites monitor with better resolution, improving forecasts, Wu said.

　　This is the first substantial achievement of CAS-ESA cooperation in advanced payload technology for Earth observation.