Raytheon (NYSE: RTN) has been awarded a $564 million contract modification by NASA to produce imaging radiometers for two follow-on Joint Polar Satellite System spacecraft.The company said Thursday it will provide two Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite instruments for integration into JPSS-3 and JPSS-4 satellites that are meant to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration‘s weather forecasting activities.
The 22-band VIIRS sensor works to collect imagery for researchers to examine climate patterns.
Raytheon’s first VIIRS flew aboard the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership satellite in 2011.
The second VIIRS has been integrated into JPSS-1, which is scheduled to launch next year, and a third sensor will be used on JPSS-2 for a planned 2021 mission.
NOAA oversees the management and operation of the five-satellite constellation, while NASA is responsible for the procurement of spacecraft and related scientific instruments, launch services and ground infrastructure.
The JPSS common ground segment, designed and built by Raytheon, works to support global environmental observation missions under the satellite program.
