The ATMS instrument. Photo: NASA

[Via Satellite 10-24-2014] Northrop Grumman has received a $121 million award from NASA for the Joint Polar Satellite System 2 Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS). Under the sole source contract modification, Northrop Grumman will build the instrument using the same design employed on JPSS 1 and the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (Suomi NPP) satellite.

ATMS collects temperature and humidity sounding data for use in models of global and regional weather patterns. Combined with the Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS), the device produces global atmospheric temperature and moisture profiles.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) funds the JPSS missions while NASA functions as the acquisition agent for flight systems and some ground system components. JPSS 2 is set to launch in 2021, preceded by the launch of JPSS 1 in 2017. The cost plus award fee modification extends the contract’s period of performance from May 2017 through May 2022.