A miniaturised instrument to monitor the weather will be the first payload to fly on one of the UK’s new publicly funded demonstration satellites.

US-based Orbital Micro Systems will launch their microwave radiometer aboard the 30cm-long spacecraft next year to retrieve temperature, humidity and precipitation measurements.

If successful, OMS plans a 40-strong constellation of similar satellites.

“Clyde Space will be providing the bus, payload integration and test in preparation for launch,” confirmed the Glasgow manufacturer’s CEO, Craig Clark.

“Of course, ultimately, the objective for Clyde Space is to support OMS with the roll-out of their constellation – it’s a very exciting mission and OMS have developed a payload that has huge potential for commercial and civil data customers.”