L3Harris Infrared Weather Forecasting Technology Launches on NOAA Satellite

Rhea-AI Summary

L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) has successfully launched its Cross-Track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) aboard NOAA's Joint Polar Satellite System-2 (JPSS-2). This advanced sensor increases NOAA's ability to forecast severe weather, offering 100 times more infrared channels than its predecessor, which enhances the accuracy of weather models. The CrIS instrument is pivotal in improving hurricane and tornado detection, aiding in better predictions up to seven days in advance. This technology supports NOAA in creating a more weather-ready nation.

Positive

• Successful launch of CrIS enhances NOAA's severe weather forecast capabilities.
• CrIS offers 100 times more infrared channels, significantly improving data accuracy.
• Increased forecasting accuracy supports public safety during extreme weather events.

Negative

• None.

Highlights:

• Improves NOAA’s ability to forecast weather models quicker and more accurately
• Provides 100 times more infrared channels than its predecessor, yielding higher fidelity data
• JPSS-2 includes vital L3Harris avionics and communications enablers

MELBOURNE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) announced today its Cross-Track Infrared Sounder (CrIS), designed to enhance severe weather detection capabilities, successfully launched aboard NOAA’s Joint Polar Satellite System-2 weather satellite.

As one of the world’s most advanced hyperspectral sounders and a key sensor on the JPSS-2 satellite, the CrIS instrument has over 2,000 infrared channels – 100 times more than its predecessor. This technology improves NOAA’s prediction of hurricanes, tornadoes and other extreme weather events and the accuracy of weather models three-to-seven days in advance by providing more precise temperature and water vapor information.

“L3Harris’ CrIS instrument enables NOAA to add greater fidelity to its severe weather forecasts and severe weather events around the world,” said Rob Mitrevski, vice president and general manager, Spectral Solutions, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris. “Earlier detection and forecasting leads to earlier warning and preparation time for people potentially in harm’s way.”

Orbiting the Earth 14 times a day, the CrIS instrument onboard the JPSS-2 gathers hyperspectral, infrared content that aids NOAA in “nowcasting” and global, long-term forecasts. The CrIS also improves understanding of longer-term weather and climate phenomena and greenhouse gas concentration and transport, helping advance NOAA’s pursuit of a more weather-ready nation. The CrIS instrument, currently orbiting aboard the Suomi-NPP and NOAA-20 satellites, will also fly on JPSS-3 and JPSS-4, scheduled to launch in 2027 and 2032, respectively.

The JPSS-2 launch brings together an combination of L3Harris technologies beyond the CrIS including an integral suite of rocket launch avionics, X-band and Ka-band payloads that transmit images and scientific data, and S-band transceiver uplinks that commands the spacecraft and downlinks spacecraft health information.

About L3Harris Technologies

L3Harris Technologies, an agile global aerospace and defense technology innovator, delivers end-to-end solutions meeting our customers’ mission-critical needs. The company provides advanced defense and commercial technologies across space, air, land, sea and cyber domains. L3Harris has more than $17 billion in annual revenue and 47,000 employees, with customers in more than 100 countries.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221110005691/en/

Irene Lockwood

Space and Airborne Systems

Irene.Lockwood@L3Harris.com

585-465-3592

Paul Swiergosz

Corporate

Paul.Swiergosz@L3Harris.com

321-378-5631

Source: L3Harris Technologies

FAQ

What is LHX's latest achievement involving NOAA?

LHX successfully launched its CrIS aboard NOAA's JPSS-2, enhancing weather prediction capabilities.

How does CrIS improve weather forecasting?

CrIS provides 100 times more infrared channels than its predecessor, improving the accuracy of weather models.

What benefits does the CrIS instrument offer?

It enhances detection of hurricanes and tornadoes, allowing predictions up to seven days in advance.

When was LHX's CrIS launched?

The CrIS was launched on NOAA's JPSS-2 weather satellite.

How does the CrIS contribute to NOAA's goals?

It aids NOAA in creating more precise weather forecasts and understanding climate phenomena.