RTX space sensor to monitor coastal ecosystem health

Rhea-AI Summary

RTX (NYSE: RTX) - Raytheon's GLIMR sensor completes Critical Design Review and moves to build and test phase. NASA selects GLIMR as its first hyperspectral imager in geostationary orbit. GLIMR will provide highly detailed view of coastal water conditions, aiding in tracking coral bleaching, plankton health, oil spills, and Harmful Algal Blooms. Decision-makers will use GLIMR data to respond to coastal water disasters and improve sustainability. Raytheon also finalizes review for NOAA's GeoXO satellite system and plans to use lessons learned from GLIMR for next-generation weather satellite payload launching in 2032.

Positive

• GLIMR sensor completes Critical Design Review and moves to build and test phase
• GLIMR selected as NASA's first hyperspectral imager in geostationary orbit
• GLIMR will provide highly detailed view of coastal water conditions
• Raytheon finalizes review for NOAA's GeoXO satellite system and plans to use lessons learned from GLIMR for next-generation weather satellite payload launching in 2032

Negative

• None.

GLIMR will fly aboard NASA satellite

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, announced today that its Geostationary Littoral Imaging and Monitoring Radiometer, or GLIMR, sensor has completed its Critical Design Review and is now in the build and test phase of the program.

NASA selected GLIMR to be the agency's first hyperspectral imager in geostationary orbit. GLIMR will collect and process information from across the electromagnetic spectrum, including visible light, infrared and ultraviolet frequencies, to create a highly detailed view of physical and biological conditions in coastal waters.

"GLIMR will help enable us to better study our planet's oceans," said David Broadbent, president of Space Systems at Raytheon. "With this new capability, we'll be able to better track coral bleaching, chlorophyl and plankton health, oil spills and Harmful Algal Blooms, otherwise known as red tide."

The instrument will provide high-sensitivity, high-spatial and high-temporal resolution measurements of coastal and ocean ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico, parts of the southeastern U.S. coastline and the Amazon River plume. Decision-makers will use GLIMR data to respond rapidly to natural and manmade coastal water disasters, such as harmful algae blooms and oil spills. It will also help improve the coastal ecosystem's sustainability and resource management.

Raytheon also recently completed their final review for NOAA's Geostationary Extended Observations satellite system, or GeoXO, and is taking lessons learned from GLIMR to design the next generation operational weather satellite payload that will launch in 2032.

The University of New Hampshire is NASA's lead organization for the GLIMR contract, led by principal investigator Dr. Joseph Salisbury, with a team of scientists from partnering universities, NOAA and NASA. The instrument will launch in the 2026-2027 timeframe, and its data will be available soon after to scientists, researchers and educators around the world.

Work for both programs is being executed in El Segundo, California.

About RTX
RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 180,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems for operational success, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2022 sales of $67 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

Media contact:
B.J. Boling
Benjamin.j.boling@rtx.com

 

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SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What is the significance of GLIMR completing its Critical Design Review?

The completion of the Critical Design Review indicates that GLIMR is progressing to the build and test phase, a crucial step towards its eventual launch.

How will GLIMR aid in studying coastal water conditions?

GLIMR will collect and process information from across the electromagnetic spectrum to create a highly detailed view of physical and biological conditions in coastal waters, tracking coral bleaching, plankton health, oil spills, and Harmful Algal Blooms.

What is the role of Raytheon in the development of GLIMR?

Raytheon is the business behind GLIMR and has also finalized the review for NOAA's GeoXO satellite system, planning to use lessons learned from GLIMR for the next-generation weather satellite payload launching in 2032.