Radiosondes and Rawinsondes

Radiosondes are essential instruments in atmospheric science, providing critical data for weather forecasting, climate research, and military operations. These lightweight, battery-powered devices are carried aloft by weather balloons to measure atmospheric parameters such as temperature, pressure, and humidity. The rawinsonde, an extension of this technology, also measures wind speed and direction by tracking its position during ascent through the atmosphere. Together, they have significantly advanced meteorological science since their invention.

The radiosonde was invented in the 1920s by French meteorologist Robert Bureau (known in meteorologist circles as the weather Bureau - LOL) and independently by Russian engineer Pavel Molchanov in 1930. Molchanov's version, considered the first practical design, was launched on January 30, 1930. It transmitted temperature and pressure data back to Earth via radio signals, enabling real-time atmospheric profiling. The rawinsonde was developed later, incorporating tracking systems to record wind data by determining the instrument's position relative to the launch site. This innovation required advancements in radio direction-finding and radar technologies.

Modern instruments for atmospheric measurements are produced by several companies worldwide, including Vaisala (Finland), Lockheed Martin (United States), Meteolabor (Switzerland), and Meisei Electric (Japan). These companies design tools with high precision and durability to withstand harsh atmospheric conditions. Vaisala, one of the leading manufacturers, has been a pioneer in this field, introducing the RS series of instruments widely used by meteorological agencies.

Although both devices share similar designs and measurement capabilities, they differ in their additional functionalities. A radiosonde typically includes sensors for temperature, humidity, and pressure, which are connected to a transmitter that sends data to ground-based receivers. In contrast, a rawinsonde incorporates these features and adds a GPS or radio-theodolite system for wind measurement. By tracking its movement, wind speed and direction at various altitudes can be calculated, providing a complete atmospheric profile.

These instruments are launched using helium or hydrogen-filled weather balloons, which ascend to altitudes of up to 35 kilometers (115,000 feet). During the ascent, they continuously transmit data back to ground stations. Recovery is not typically planned, as the devices are designed to be disposable due to their low cost and the difficulty of retrieval. Some advanced systems, however, incorporate parachutes to slow descent, allowing for occasional recovery.

Measurements obtained include temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind speed, and wind direction. This data is critical for understanding weather patterns, predicting storms, and studying climate change. Instruments such as thermistors, capacitive hygrometers, and aneroid barometers are commonly used onboard. For wind tracking, GPS receivers or radar reflectors are employed.

The historical development of these tools reflects the evolution of meteorological science. Early experiments in the 1930s laid the foundation for routine upper-air observations. During World War II, the military extensively used them to improve artillery targeting and aviation safety. Post-war advancements brought miniaturization and increased accuracy, making them standard tools in meteorology. In the 1960s, the adoption of radar and GPS technologies enabled comprehensive wind measurements, leading to their widespread use.

Applications span military, civilian, industrial, and research domains. In the military, they provide crucial data for missile trajectory calculations, flight planning, and surveillance. Civilian uses include weather forecasting and disaster preparedness, where accurate atmospheric data are indispensable. Industrial applications involve monitoring atmospheric conditions for activities such as oil drilling and construction. Research institutions use these instruments to study atmospheric phenomena, validate satellite data, and improve numerical weather prediction models.

These atmospheric measurement devices can be launched not only by balloons but also by rockets, aircraft, and drones, depending on the application and required data resolution. Rocketsondes are used for high-altitude measurements beyond the reach of balloons, while aircraft and drones enable targeted observations in specific regions. The cost varies, with basic versions priced at around $200–500 per unit, while advanced models with GPS or specialized sensors may cost significantly more.

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