Weather Satellites: Developments and Issues for Future Systems

When you watch the daily weather report on television, you are seeing the results of satellite observations. When you check the weather online to see if you will need an umbrella that day, that prediction is based on satellite data. When your television programming is interrupted by severe weather alerts, these are based in part on satellite data, too. Weather satellites provide the foundation of the ability to monitor and forecast the weather on Earth. They provide billions of dollars in economic benefits and help to save lives. The United States is currently developing the next generation of weather satellites for both its geostationary and its polar-orbiting weather satellites. The first next-generation geostationary satellite, part of the GOES-R series, is currently scheduled for a 2015 launch. The first Joint Polar-Orbiting Satellite System (JPSS) is currently planned to launch slightly later, in 2017, though an interim satellite carrying many of the newly designed instruments will be launched in late 2011. Both the GOES-R and the JPSS programs experienced challenges during development that led to cost increases, schedule delays, and reductions in capabilities. Understanding these experiences can not only help identify lessons for the future but also make clear the ongoing challenges that need to be addressed. Both programs still run the risk of leaving the United States with degraded or non-existent weather monitoring for some period of time. Gaps in coverage could lead to a decrease in the United States’ ability to accurately forecast weather, including severe storms. Adequate funding and careful oversight of these programs will be needed to ensure that the United States is able to maintain its weather forecasting capabilities over the next decade without gaps or degradations in service. In addition to maintaining products provided in the past, policy-makers should carefully consider the value of improved weather forecasting capabilities for the future. More accurate weather forecasts and increased warning times can save both lives and property. It is important to examine the appropriate trade-off between the advanced weather prediction capabilities enabled by satellites and budget limitations to ensure that the United States is making the most efficient decisions with regard to future system development.