Weather Satellite Follow-On

Abstract

Based on completion of the Space-Based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM) JROC Memo 092-14, capabilities will be developed to satisfy weather gaps for which no known mitigation exists. Weather System Follow-on (WSF) is a component of SBEM efforts to develop capabilities to satisfy weather Gap 3 Ocean Surface Vector Winds (OSVW), Gap 8 Tropical Cyclone Intensity (TCI), and Gap 11 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Energetic Charged Particles (LEO ECP). Gap 3 OSVW and Gap 8 TCI require a space-based microwave sensor to provide polarimetric ocean surface wind direction and speed required for naval sea operations, as well as fighter sortie generations and marine amphibious operations. Gap 11 LEO ECP requires in situ ECP sensor for space situational awareness. The earliest possible launch options are being integrated in the design for critical gaps. DoD established WSF as a Pre-Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) with the Air force as the lead component. Based on the SBEM AoA results, the WSF initial thrusts will be to enable: 1) DoD use of data collected by civil, international and other DoD space systems; 2) Timely weather collection over broad oceans in support of maneuvering forces; 3) Space weather capabilities to characterize operational orbits, space situational awareness, and the ionosphere. Secondary investments may be supported to address weather gaps identified in the Meteorological and Oceanographic (METOC) Initial Capability Document (ICD). The Military Application of the Space Environment (MASE) is a program to demonstrate mature space environment technology to improve combat operations. MASE will enhance regional ionospheric specification (nowcasts) and predictions (forecasts) affecting signal propagation paths. MASE uses traditional and non-traditional ionospheric measurements in advanced space environment models to forecast and predict impacts to weapon systems. Contributes to satisfying Gaps 4 and 7 of the SBEM AoA results as supplemented by the AFRDM 02-17-02 (SBEM JDCR). The current and future space domain demands that space systems be responsive to new and changing threats, and can rapidly integrate new capabilities to make our warfighting force more resilient in a contested battlespace. This agility, survivability, and rapid reconstitution must extend through the entire space warfighting enterprise, to include how we learn about the threat; develop solutions; acquire, test, deploy, train, operate and integrate new systems into the greater system of systems; and ensure our space mission force is ready to defeat a thinking adversary in a complex, multi-domain battlespace. The enterprise will use all of its elements to accelerate decision-making, prototype potential solutions, rapidly integrate decision-making tools and sustain a war-winning capability by delivering multi-domain effects in, from, and through space and cyberspace enabling battle management and resilience options to "fight through." This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver WSF weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 1206392F and 1206398F. The FY2019 funding request was reduced by $42.70 million to account for the availability of prior year execution balances. This program is in Budget Activity 4, Advanced Component Development and Prototypes (ACD&P) because efforts are necessary to evaluate integrated technologies, representative modes or prototype systems in a high fidelity and realistic operating environment.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2019
• Source ID: 644289_1206422F_4_3600_PB_2019

Tags

Fields of Study

• Environmental science

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering.

Technology Areas

• Cyber
• Space
• Space - Satellites