Satellite applications
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From a network of satellites in space it is possible to get 24-hour global coverage of the dynamic Earth system. With an impressive array of instrumentation available, the amount of information that can be gained from space is vast - ranging from vertical profiles of temperature and humidity in the atmosphere, to measurements of ocean wave height. |
Weather forecasting has come a long way in the last 40 years,
and much of this progress can be attributed to the development
of meteorological satellites. We have all become accustomed
to seeing satellite imagery on our TV weather forecasts, but
the true value of satellite data runs far deeper than that.
Launch forecasts
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Weather forecasts are required when you are launching spacecraft,
because wind, rain and lightning can affect the launch vehicle
and can hamper emergency recovery operations on the ground.
The US space shuttle, for example, requires a forecast for its
re-entry and landing sites too! The US space agency NASA routinely
takes weather forecasts from the USAF 45th Weather Squadron
at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and also from Spaceflight
Meteorology Group at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
