NOAA OMPS Environmental Testing. Photo: Ball Aerospace

[Via Satellite 02-28-2014] NOAA is now conducting environmental testing on all five instruments that will fly on its next-generation Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) 1 satellite. While undergoing testing, the instruments will be subject to simulations of launch and space environments to be sure they meet the requirements necessary to operate in orbit.

The instruments include the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS), Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS), Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS) and Clouds and Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES). These instruments will work together to enhance Earth observations from the polar-orbit, and are expected to improve NOAA’s ability to predict severe weather several days in advance.

The JPSS instruments are scheduled to ship early next year when instrument integration is set to begin on the JPSS 1 spacecraft.

“This milestone is important because it means we’re meeting the program milestones and moving closer to launching JPSS 1 — on budget and on schedule,” said JPSS Director Harry Cikanek. “With each instrument progressing through environmental testing, we are moving toward delivery. After completion of the test phase, each instrument will undergo a pre-shipment review, confirming they are ready to be transferred for installation onto the spacecraft.”