"Climate Predictions to Become More Sophisticated"... Korean Radiosonde Evaluation Technology Registered as International Standard

KRISS-Developed “Temperature Sensor Calibration Test Method” Adopted as ISO International Standard (ISO 8932-1)
Accurate Calibration Within 0.1 Degrees Even in Extreme Conditions: Minus 85°C and 40 km Altitude
Public-Private Collaboration with KMA and Wedex Enhances Global Climate Data Reliability

Technology developed in South Korea to evaluate the performance of the radiosonde-a key instrument for measuring temperature and humidity in the upper atmosphere-has been adopted as an international standard. With the introduction of this objective global benchmark for upper-atmosphere meteorological observation data, which previously relied on manufacturers’ own criteria, the accuracy of climate change predictions is expected to improve dramatically.

The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), led by President Lee Hosung, announced on December 11 that its self-developed “Calibration Test Method for Radiosonde Temperature Sensors” has been officially registered as an international standard in the field of meteorology (ISO 8932-1). This achievement is the result of a joint development effort by the KRISS Thermo-Fluid Measurement Group, the Korea Meteorological Administration, the Korea Meteorological Industry Technology Institute, and domestic company Wedex Co., Ltd.

KRISS researchers are operating a high-altitude weather simulation system for radiosonde calibration. Provided by the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science

A radiosonde is a device attached to a large balloon that ascends to about 35 kilometers above the ground, measuring temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. In particular, temperature data from the stratosphere is considered a key indicator for long-term climate change monitoring. However, due to numerous variables in the upper atmosphere-such as solar radiation and strong winds-precise calibration of sensors is essential. Despite this, there has been no international standard for objective evaluation. As a result, users had no choice but to rely on the performance indicators provided by manufacturers, which limited the reliability of the data.

The newly established international standard (ISO 8932-1) specifies detailed procedures and criteria for calibrating measurement errors in radiosonde temperature sensors. By applying this test method, it is possible to reduce the calibration error of temperature sensors to within 0.1 degrees Celsius, even in extreme environments at altitudes of 40 kilometers and temperatures as low as minus 85 degrees Celsius.

Cover of the new international standard draft ISO 8932-1 (Radio Sonde Temperature Sensor Calibration Test Method). Provided by the Standards Institute

In 2019, KRISS independently developed a “high-altitude meteorological simulation system” that perfectly replicates upper atmospheric conditions in a laboratory environment, and based on this, secured precise sensor calibration technology. This technology was ultimately approved after verification by an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) working group, which included meteorological experts and manufacturers from various countries.

With the establishment of this standard, radiosonde manufacturers can now verify and improve product performance during the development stage, and meteorological agencies worldwide can operate weather forecasting and climate prediction models based on more accurate data.

Kim Yongkyu, Principal Researcher of the KRISS Thermo-Fluid Measurement Group, stated, “With the adoption of this international standard, all countries can now obtain reliable meteorological observation data,” adding, “This will contribute to the development of more sophisticated global climate prediction models.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.