Since then, day and night and even through the densest clouds, it has been using its three instruments to survey the structure of the planet's surface, taking radar images that reveal the smallest details and monitor changes. No other satellite can compete with its capabilities in this respect. ERS-1 is making an important contribution to the study of our environment and of climate change. As opposed to optical systems requiring clear weather conditions, the ERS- 2s radar system is not impressed by cloudy skies or darkness. It will thus continue to observe regions which usually escape the eyes of optical satellites due to frequent cloud formation or fog.
Typical zones are the oceans or the tropical rain forests.
At the core of GOME is an optical measuring instrument which will determine how much solar radiation hits the ozone layer and how much is reflected by the earth surface back into space. Direct conclusions concerning the damage of the atmosphere can be drawn from this. Special ERS-2 page with links to mission description, etc. I have been unable to confirm that this link is still valid. The first two satellites were designated as Landsats 1 and 2.