Which new European Earth observation satellite, designed to use advanced laser technology to track global winds and improve weather forecasts, was successfully launched on a Vega rocket from French Guiana?

Introduction / Context:
Earth observation satellites play an important role in modern meteorology by providing data on clouds, temperature, moisture, and wind patterns. One European satellite mission in particular was designed to use advanced laser technology to directly measure global wind profiles from space, improving numerical weather prediction models. This question asks you to identify that satellite.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The satellite in question is European and was launched on a Vega rocket from French Guiana.
- It uses laser technology (lidar) to track global winds.
- The options include names of several different satellites, some related to communications rather than Earth observation.

Concept / Approach:
The European Space Agency developed the Aeolus mission to carry a space based lidar instrument that can measure wind speeds at different altitudes by detecting the Doppler shift of backscattered laser light. These wind measurements help improve global weather forecasts. Aeolus was launched on a Vega rocket from Europe’s spaceport in French Guiana. The other listed satellites, such as Eutelsat W 2 and Telstar 12, are primarily communications satellites and are not known for laser based wind tracking instruments.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Aeolus is associated with wind measurement using ultraviolet laser pulses in the Earth’s atmosphere. Step 2: Identify that the question mentions a European satellite with advanced laser technology for global wind tracking, which matches Aeolus. Step 3: Recognize that Eutelsat W 2 and Telstar 12 are names linked to communication services, such as television and data transmission. Step 4: Note that Radyo 4 is not a widely known name of a European laser wind satellite. Step 5: Select Aeolus as the satellite that fits all parts of the description.

Verification / Alternative check:
Descriptions of Aeolus highlight that it is the first satellite mission to profile Earth’s winds from space using a Doppler wind lidar. Reports of its launch state that it was carried into orbit by a Vega launcher from French Guiana. These independent pieces of information match the details given in the question and confirm that Aeolus is the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: Radyo 4 is not known as a European Earth observation satellite using laser technology for wind profiling; it does not match the mission description.
Option C: Eutelsat W 2 is a communications satellite that provides television and data services, not a dedicated wind monitoring mission.
Option D: Telstar 12 is also a communications satellite and is not equipped with a space based laser system for measuring global wind profiles.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners may confuse satellite names because there are many missions with technical sounding designations. A useful strategy is to associate Aeolus with Aeolus from Greek mythology, who was linked with winds, which matches a wind measuring satellite. Recognizing that Eutelsat and Telstar are brand names often associated with communications can also help separate them from Earth observation missions.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Aeolus, a European satellite using lasers to measure wind profiles because this mission fits the description of a European laser based wind tracking satellite launched on a Vega rocket from French Guiana.