National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: National Weather Service Modernization and Weather Satellite Program
Abstract
We appreciate the opportunity to join in today's hearing to discuss our work in two areas that are the responsibility of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). At your request, we will discuss the status of the National Weather Service (NWS) systems modernization and the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) program. In brief, although NWS is nearing completion of its systems modernization effort, it still faces important challenges. During the coming year, NWS plans to finish commissioning' the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS), the final system of the modernization. At the same time, NWS is developing additional AWIPS system capabilities to be implemented in the future. According to NWS, these additional capabilities are needed for AWIPS to improve radar and satellite data processing and to provide weather forecasters with a full range of interactive forecasting techniques. The agency is also developing a systems architecture to provide a blueprint for future systems acquisitions. Regarding the GOES program, NOAA continues to deploy weather satellites to ensure adequate satellite coverage. However, because of unexpected problems, satellite coverage is currently at risk and will remain so until a new satellite is successfully launched. NOAA plans to launch the new satellite in May 2000. To ensure continued satellite coverage beyond the current satellite series, NOAA is planning for the program's near- and long-term future. The approach we used to perform this work-our objectives, scope, and methodology-are provided in appendix I.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 29, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA375325
Entities
People
- Joel C. Willemssen
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office