Microwave imager instrument for MetOp second generation: Design and verification

The payload complement of MetOp-SG satellites includes three microwave radiometers, namely MicroWave Sounder, MicroWave Imager and Ice Cloud Imager. This payload complement will provide high quality measurements covering a very wide frequency range from 18.7 GHz up to 664 GHz. The main objective of the MicroWave Imager (MWI) is to provide cloud and precipitation observations as well as water vapour and temperature gross profiles. The present paper provides a description of the MWI instrument, covering in particular, the design, expected performance and verification activities.