Yesterday, some of us took our first flight with Polar 5. The prospects were great because, according to the satellite image, our planned flight track would even lead through a cold air outbreak! So, the anticipation was already high. After some preparations in the hangar and a safety briefing from the pilot, Kyle, the crew could settle into the aircraft. Luggage was stowed, devices switched on, seatbelts fastened, and at 11:03 UTC, we were ready for takeoff. On our way north to turn over the Norwegian/Barents Sea onto the track of the EarthCare satellite, we flew over beautiful snowy landscapes and low clouds. After Mika was quite nervous during takeoff, he didn’t want to leave the window; he was so impressed by the view! After most of the measurements had already been initiated at the beginning of the flight, we also started the lidar measurements over the sea. We also launched several dropsondes along the satellite’s path, which record vertical wind, humidity, and temperature profiles on their way to the ground. Now, we were flying on the trajectory that the satellite would cross during this period, and our underflight was successful: The satellite flew directly overhead. It’s a match! This is also indicated by the dot in the satellite’s radar measurements, which represents our aircraft. We landed shortly after 16 UTC with good measurements and some great impressions.
The next flight will take place on Sunday. Stay tuned!