The Zenith Deck on JPSS 1 during integration. Photo: Ball Aerospace

[Via Satellite 05-18-2015] Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) won a competitive selection process by Exelis Geospatial Systems to manufacture the Radiation Budget Instrument (RBI) Azimuth Rotation Module (ARM) for the Joint Polar Satellite System 2 (JPSS 2) mission. ARM will function as a rotational stage for the RBI Instrument and as the primary interface between the RBI and the JPSS 2 satellite.

Exelis is building the RBI scanning radiometer, which will measure Earth’s reflected sunlight and emitted thermal radiation, helping scientists further the understanding of links between Earth’s incoming and outgoing energy.

Exelis is the prime contractor to NASA — the agency responsible for developing and building the satellite and ground systems — for the RBI. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is responsible for managing operations of the JPSS program. JPSS 2 is slated to launch in the fourth quarter of 2021, preceded by the launch of JPSS 1 in 2017.