Comparison of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) and the NOAA Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite (POES) Program,
Abstract
This report offers s technical comparison of the two United States operational space programs that are based on the capabilities of polar-orbiting environmental satellites. The U.S. Air Force manages and conducts the operations of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP); the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has the same responsibilities with respect to the NOAA Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite (POES) program. The report examines the major missions and goals of the two programs, the management and operational procedures that they follow, and the support they extend to each other and to other Federal agencies. Detailed discussions are provided about the specifications and performance characteristics of the spacecraft, sensors, onboard systems, command and control systems, and communications systems employed by the two programs. An extensive relative analysis of the operation and uses of the DMSP and POES imaging and atmospheric sounding instruments is provided. Other sensors and systems are discussed, as is the joint agreement between DOD and NOAA for sharing their satellite data and data processing load. Nonmeteorological users of DMSP and POES data are described. The organization and content of the satellite data archive are presented. Near-future system improvements and longer-term mission requirements are also discussed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA165118
Entities
People
- A. Ramsey
- D. Cotter
- E. Heacock
- Jennifer M. Bailey
- Q. Wilkes
Organizations
- National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service