Trixology
Weather => General Weather Discussion => Topic started by: Blicj11 on November 18, 2017, 05:58:55 PM
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First of it's kind, with three more to follow, weather satellite launched this morning.
https://www.space.com/38766-jpss1-weather-satellite-launch-success.html
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Dear Blick and WeatherCat weather tech observers,
First of it's kind, with three more to follow, weather satellite launched this morning.
Thanks for sharing. I didn't know that NASA was upgrading the polar orbiting satellites as well as the geosynchronous weather satellites. Looks like the upgrade was needed. I do hope the other 3 satellites will in orbit soon as well as the geosynchronous satellite for the west coast.
Cheers, Edouard
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I think it's NOAA that is upgrading the satellites, NASA just provides the rides. ;) As mentioned, there is only one more Atlas available. I assume that means of the originals. ULA (https://www.space.com/26551-us-military-launches-russian-rocket-engines.html) has re-built some using Russian (RD-180 rocket motors (https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/427652main_PMC_2010_Pech_Russian.pdf)). At any rate, disposable/expendable rockets are wasting lots of money on one shot 'tricks'. OTOH, this is another method of incentivizing miniaturization! ;) And, of course, commercialization of re-usable vehicles. ThU5:-)
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Dear X-Air and WeatherCat seekers of space-based trivia . . . .
I think it's NOAA that is upgrading the satellites, NASA just provides the rides. ;)
It isn't like it really matters but supposedly the satellites are operated in a "partnership" between NOAA and NASA. I do hope government agencies can get along in situations like this, but one can never be too sure.
As mentioned, there is only one more Atlas available. I assume that means of the originals.
Again mostly trivial pursuits, but the launch vehicle in this case was actually a Delta II. It is a venerable design that dates all the back to about 1960!
ULA (https://www.space.com/26551-us-military-launches-russian-rocket-engines.html) has re-built some using Russian (RD-180 rocket motors (https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/427652main_PMC_2010_Pech_Russian.pdf)).
This is where there is a point worth pursuing perhaps. The story behind the Russian RD-180 rocket motor is fascinating and if you have Netflix streaming there is a neat documentary on the development of that motor:
https://www.netflix.com/title/80119093 (https://www.netflix.com/title/80119093)
Anyone interested in the space program and how rocket engines works will really enjoy it.
Cheers, Edouard