JPSS-2, the 3rd satellite in the Joint Polar Satellite System series, will offer data that improves weather report and advance our understanding of extreme weather and climate change. It is slated to release on November 1, 2022, from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California and will be relabelled NOAA-21 after reaching orbit. NASAs Launch Services Program, based at the companys Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is managing the launch.
The thermal vacuum test mimics the vacuum of area and the extreme temperature level extremes the satellite will experience while in Earths orbit.
The JPSS-2 satellite goes into the chamber for its thermal vacuum test at the Northrop Grumman center in Gilbert, Arizona. Credit: Northrop Grumman
” The satellite needs to keep itself warm enough in a cold state and cool when its in a hot state, and still supply the science performance as its going through the temperature transitions,” said Chris Brann, deputy task supervisor for the JPSS flight project at Goddard. “If it works at the 2 extremes of hot and cold, it will operate in between.”
Throughout screening, the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite instrument, or VIIRS, experienced a test equipment anomaly. Engineers determined the abnormality was an outcome of small motion between the test equipment and the instrument, which was triggered by thermal contortion. Modifications were rapidly made to the test setup, and the system was retested– this time with the expected efficiency.
The thermal vacuum test is the most substantial test the satellite will go through, short of launch, Dress stated. “Theres no other test like it in the entire life of an objective,” he stated. “This one is the biggie.”
JPSS-2 goes into the chamber for its thermal vacuum test at the Northrop Grumman facility in Gilbert, Arizona.Credits: Northrop Grumman
It likewise requires the most resources. Hundreds of individuals on the team supported this test alone.
The spacecraft emerged from thermal vacuum testing on June 4– three months after it entered the chamber. The examination and devices repairs delayed the completion of the test by about a month. This likewise resulted in a delay in the launch date, which was initially arranged for September 30, 2022.
This summer season, the satellites solar variety will be installed, and the satellite will be moved into a shipping container, which is controlled for temperature and humidity. It will then be delivered to the launch website in California, where it will go through a final series of tests before getting installed on the rocket, Brann said.
A lot needs to come together when preparing for the launch, stated JPSS Flight Mission Systems Engineer Lou Parkinson. “Not only do we construct the satellite and test the satellite and release the satellite, but then we need to be able to hand over an effectively operating satellite to NOAA to ensure they can continue operations.”
Together, NASA and NOAA oversee the development, launch, screening, and operation of all the satellites in the JPSS program. NOAA funds and manages the program, operations, and data items. On behalf of NOAA, NASA establishes and develops the instruments, spacecraft, and ground system, and releases the satellites, which NOAA runs.
JPSS-2 will scan the world as it orbits from the North to the South poles, crossing the equator 14 times a day. From 512 miles above Earth, it will observe atmospheric conditions like temperature and moisture, along with severe weather condition, like hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and dry spell. Once in orbit, it will continue the work of its predecessors NOAA-20 and the NOAA-NASA Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (Suomi-NPP).
JPSS-2, the third satellite in the Joint Polar Satellite System series, will offer information that enhances weather projections and advance our understanding of extreme weather and environment modification. Engineers figured out the abnormality was an outcome of slight motion in between the test devices and the instrument, which was triggered by thermal contortion. The thermal vacuum test is the most significant test the satellite will go through, brief of launch, Dress said. Together, NASA and NOAA oversee the development, launch, screening, and operation of all the satellites in the JPSS program. On behalf of NOAA, NASA develops and constructs the instruments, spacecraft, and ground system, and launches the satellites, which NOAA operates.
An artists rendering of the JPSS-2 satellite, which will be renamed NOAA-21 when in orbit. Credit: NOAA
The Joint Polar Satellite System-2 satellite, or JPSS-2, which will improve weather report and increase our understanding of extreme weather condition and climate change, has cleared a critical screening turning point, bringing it an action better to release.
Last week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations polar-orbiting satellite emerged from the chamber after finishing its thermal vacuum screening. This test is implied to reveal that the spacecraft and all of its instruments will perform successfully when exposed to the harsh environments of area.
” I can absolutely say with 100% certainty that the observatory is working great,” said JPSS Flight Project Manager Andre Dress at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. “All the instruments are carrying out terrific, and were going to meet all our requirements– and after that some.”