EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Aug. 12 (UPI) -- NASA has contracted Raytheon to build a third Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The system would be used on the Joint Polar Satellite System-2 spacecraft, a joint program of both NASA and NOAA to provide enhanced observations for increased accuracy in weather reporting.
"The meteorology community has expressed overwhelmingly positive feedback for the data VIIRS provides," said Bill Hart, vice president of Space Systems for Raytheon's Space and Airborne Systems business. "VIIRS has set new benchmarks in low light imagery and shown itself to be an indispensable tool in developing highly accurate, timely forecasts that are used to protect life and property during major weather events."
NASA said VIIRS provides imagery in 22 spectral bands. The system also maintains the continuity of data provided by predecessor instruments.
Raytheon built the first VIIRS instrument for the JPSS-precursor, Suomi NPP spacecraft, launched in 2011and is building a second unit for the first JPSS spacecraft.
Additional details of the system, program and contract were not revealed.
