VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., Nov.
18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, NASA launched NOAA's
next-generation polar satellite, the Joint Polar Satellite
System-1, into space. Two Raytheon (NYSE: RTN) weather
programs are mission-critical components of the satellite's
mission: the JPSS Common Ground System and the Visible Infrared
Imaging Radiometer Suite sensor.
JPSS CGS, a global system of ground antennas and
high-performance computers, provides the mission planning and
command and control once in space. Recently upgraded, the JPSS CGS
2.0 delivers observations to NOAA's National Weather Service almost
50 percent faster than before.
"Every day, thousands of decisions depend on accurate weather
forecasting and environmental monitoring," said Matt Gilligan, vice president of Raytheon's
Navigation and Environmental Solutions. "Our latest generation
Common Ground System has been fully operational since August, and
it's ready to support the new JPSS-1's mission as part of the
growing polar satellite constellation."
Once in space, Raytheon's VIIRS sensor, one of six on the JPSS-1
satellite, will collect imagery in 22 bands of light—from visible
to infrared—allowing scientists to observe emerging weather and
climate patterns in unprecedented detail. The sensor's low light
imaging day-night band provides invaluable imagery, supporting
mission area domain awareness and disaster monitoring and
management.
"From 500 miles up in space, VIIRS is changing the way we see
Earth," said Robert Curbeam,
director of Civil Space programs for Raytheon's Space and Airborne
Systems business. "Its value goes well beyond weather
forecasting."
The JPSS-1 satellite joins its predecessor, Suomi National
Polar-orbiting Partnership satellite, in circling the Earth
pole-to-pole 14 times a day, providing full global coverage and
contributing data into the U.S. weather forecast models. Those
models are the basis for three- to seven-day forecasts that save
lives, protect property and decrease the negative impact of severe
weather.
Beyond forecasting, VIIRS captures and JPSS CGS processes and
distributes measurements of atmospheric temperature and moisture,
which are critical to volcanic ash, wildfire, and drought
monitoring.
Raytheon works in partnership with NOAA to create a more
'Weather-Ready Nation.' Click here to learn more about our
Weather-Ready Nation Training Modules.
About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2016 sales of $24
billion and 63,000 employees, is a technology and innovation
leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity
solutions. With a history of innovation spanning 95 years, Raytheon
provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration,
C5ITM products and services, sensing, effects, and
mission support for customers in more than 80
countries. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. Follow us
on Twitter.
www.raytheon.com
Raytheon Company
Information and Intelligence
Systems
Aurora, Colo.
Media Contacts
Heather
Uberuaga (JPSS CGS)
+1.520.891.8421
Dana Carroll (VIIRS)
+1.310.343.0511
iispr@raytheon.com
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SOURCE Raytheon Company