US Weather Satellites: From NPOESS’ Hairy Crises, to DWSS/ JPSS Split Ends

NPOESS

The National Polar-orbiting Observing Satellite System (NPOESS) was a joint program of the Department of Defense, Department of Commerce and NASA to replace less sophisticated weather satellites that are expected to fail over the next several years. It would help develop 3-7 day weather forecasts for civilian and military purposes, including weather like hurricanes, tornadoes, etc. Unfortunately, the program ended up billions over budget, and 6 or more years late. Some gaps in coverage are possible during that time, if enough older satellites fail.

In November 2005 testimony given at a House of Congress Science Committee hearing, the Administrator of NOAA and the Undersecretary of the Air Force promised new cost and schedule estimates and policy options, as well as fuller and more rapid information. NPOESS was openly described as “a program in crisis.” Just under 5 years later, that crisis came to an end with a program split into civilian (JPSS) and military (DWSS) systems, and a 5-year NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) satellite that will test key instruments and serve as a capability bridge.

Rapid August 26, 2013: Syrian Update | Russian 5th and 6th Gen Fighter Aircraft

• The Obama administration appears to both think the Syrian government did use chemical weapons against civilians, and prepare a strike in response. This would possibly but not necessarily be done with UN backing, while the British Royal Navy is moving ships in preparation of possible missile launches. It’s hard for UN inspectors to do their job when snipers shoot at them. One question among several pressing matters: what was used? WSJ | NYT | WaPo | Christian Science Monitor | UK Telegraph.