Apparently this is a very sensitive and very selective thermal infrared imaging satellite which allows to build a volumetric temperature and humidity model of the atmosphere around Europe, Africa and surrounding regions. Swanky.

I didn't realize sounding could be done from space, let a lone from geostationary orbit. You would think that's the sort of thing that pretty much has to be done at point-blank range.

the launch:

previous link i tried the https:// formatting broke