HyMS hyperspectral microwave sounder
A small-satellite instrument that reads the atmosphere across many microwave channels at once to build detailed temperature and moisture profiles for weather forecasting.
Why it matters
NOAA is paying Spire to show that this kind of advanced microwave sounding can come from a smaller, commercially built satellite, with operational use targeted by 2030. Better atmospheric profiles feed directly into weather forecast models.
How the technology works
The sounder measures microwave energy given off by the atmosphere across many narrow frequency bands. Each band responds to a different height, so together they map temperature and humidity in layers.
Spire launched a demonstrator in January 2026 and is building a flight-ready satellite under a NOAA agreement.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction