Electronics from FEEC BUT Succeeded in Space and Shows Earth in Unprecedented Detail
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication at BUT directly participated in the development of the 3MI instrument, which has now shown images from orbit for the first time. Lukáš Fujcik and his team from the Institute of Microelectronics at FEEC BUT worked on this device, focusing on the design and testing of key electronic systems needed for reliable operation in space. Thanks to his work and the involvement of the entire team, Czech know-how became an integral part of equipment that represents a breakthrough in atmospheric monitoring.
The 3MI instrument (Multi-Viewing, Multi-Channel, Multi-Polarisation Imager), on which Lukáš Fujcik collaborated, is part of the Metop-SG A1 satellite. It launched on August 13, 2025, from the spaceport in French Guiana. As early as August 28, the instrument captured its first test images and was able to distinguish wildfire smoke, fine cloud structures, and optical phenomena that conventional sensors cannot detect. The results were first presented to the public on September 15, 2025, at the EUMETSAT annual conference in Lyon.
The very first image from the 3MI instrument, captured between 10:59 and 11:03 CEST on August 28, 2025, confirmed that the instrument is already functioning well and providing its preliminary data streams. Fine cloud structures over Italy and wildfire smoke on the right edge of the image over Greece. | Credit: EUMETSAT
An animation showing the difference between a standard image and an image using the 3MI instrument is published on EUMETSAT's website.
"When we started working on this project eight years ago, I couldn't imagine what it would feel like to see the first images from this instrument," recalls Lukáš Fujcik. "For years we solved every detail of the electronics, tested in extreme conditions, coordinated work with teams from across Europe. And now I see how our electronics reliably functions 817 kilometers above Earth and helps us better understand our planet. It's an incredibly powerful feeling - knowing that something you designed with your own hands is now orbiting Earth and contributing to scientific knowledge."
Lukáš Fujcik, FEEC BUT. | Credit: Jakub Rozboud
The unique atmospheric monitoring technology combines observation from three different angles with light polarization analysis across a wide spectrum of wavelengths. This advanced optical technology enables significantly more precise detection and characterization of aerosols, dust particles, smoke, and other atmospheric components than any previous orbital device.
Comprehensive Electronic Solution from Brno
Lukáš Fujcik's team created complete electronic subsystems for controlling the optical filter and motor parts of the sensor. The electronics include power circuits capable of reliable operation in extreme space conditions, advanced signal processing algorithms, and precise regulation of the instrument's moving parts. All components had to undergo a rigorous ESA Class One space application certification process, which includes testing resistance to radiation, temperature fluctuations from -50°C to +85°C, and other extreme conditions.
Specific development challenges involved working with a limited selection of certified components for space applications, whose cost is several times higher than standard components. Each design had to optimize not only functionality and reliability, but also weight and energy consumption while maintaining long-term durability of at least 20 years.
Revolutionary Data for Science and Society
The new technology brings unprecedented possibilities for meteorology, climatology, and environmental monitoring. The 3MI instrument can distinguish different types of aerosols, track Saharan dust transport, monitor urban air pollution, or analyze changes in atmospheric composition caused by climate change. Polarization measurements also enable differentiation between natural and anthropogenic particles, which is key to understanding human impact on climate.
Practical applications include improving weather forecasts up to 10 days ahead, more accurate warnings of extreme weather events, real-time air quality monitoring, and support for global climate change research. The data will be used by meteorological services worldwide as well as scientific institutions studying Earth's atmosphere.
Czech Know-how in European Space
FEEC BUT's participation in the Metop-SG project symbolizes the growing position of Czech science in prestigious international space programs. Brno electronics now orbits Earth at an altitude of 817 kilometers and contributes daily to better understanding of our climate. The EPS-SG program with a budget of over 4 billion euros represents one of Europe's largest investments in Earth observation, and Czech teams are an integral part of it.
Author: Zdeňka Koubová
| Responsible person | Ing. Zdeňka Koubová |
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