US: For making two advanced technology microwave sounder instruments for NOAA's Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), JPSS-3 and JPSS-4 missions, US space agency, NASA has chosen the Northrop Grumman, of Azusa, California. The contract was given on behalf of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
This is a cost-plus-award-fee new work modification. The total value of this contract is increased from $212,769,576 to $390,474,167. This action extends the period of performance to 18 months after the launch of JPSS-4.
According to the contract, Northrop Grumman will have to manufacture, test and deliver the ATMS instruments, support instrument integration on the spacecraft and will have to provide launch and post-launch support.
ATMS is a passive microwave instrument that works in conjunction with the Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) to produce global atmospheric vertical temperature and moisture profiles. ATMS provides high spatial resolution microwave temperature and humidity sounding data in all conditions, including cloud cover.
NOAA forecasters use these data in computer models to improve global and regional predictions of weather patterns, storm tracks and precipitations. This information significantly improves short- and long-term weather forecasting.
NOAA funds the JPSS missions to provide global environmental data in low Earth polar orbit. NASA is the acquisition agent for the flight systems and components of the ground segment for JPSS.
Source: PRN
