radiosonde

noun Meteorology.

1. an instrument that is carried aloft by a balloon to send back information on atmospheric temperature, pressure, and humidity by means of a small radio transmitter.

noun

1. an airborne instrument used to send meteorological information back to earth by radioAlso called: radiometeorograph

1. An instrument that is carried into the atmosphere by a balloon, makes measurements of temperature, air pressure, humidity, and wind speed and direction, and transmits the measurements back to the ground. A radiosonde is typically sent to altitudes of approximately 30 km (18.6 mi). There are approximately 70 radiosonde stations across the continental United States. Each station launches two radiosondes daily.