NOAA-21, NOAA-20, and Suomi NPP satellite orbits
- Visualizations by:
- Kel Elkins
- View full credits
The operational JPSS constellation currently consists of the NASA-NOAA Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership satellite, the technology pathfinder mission for JPSS launched in 2011, and NOAA-20, previously called JPSS-1 and launched in 2017. The third satellite in the series, NOAA-21 (formerly JPSS-2), launched November, 10, 2022. Once it reached its polar orbit JPSS-2 was renamed NOAA-21.
Once NOAA-21 is fully commissioned and science products are provisional, notionally a year after launch, NOAA-20 will transition a quarter orbit ahead of S-NPP. NOAA-21 will then become the primary satellite, NOAA-20 will become the backup satellite, and Suomi-NPP will become the tertiary satellite in the JPSS constellation, as shown in this animation.
JPSS represents significant technological and scientific advancements in observations used for severe weather prediction and environmental monitoring. These data are critical to the timeliness and accuracy of forecasts three to seven days in advance of a severe weather event. JPSS is a collaborative effort between NOAA and NASA.
Credits
Please give credit for this item to:
NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio
Visualizer
- Kel Elkins (USRA) [Lead]
Engineer
- Bungo Shiotani (SAIC)
Producer
- Michelle S. Birdsall (ASRC Federal)
Technical support
- Ian Jones (ADNET)
- Laurence Schuler (ADNET)
Datasets used in this visualization
CelesTrak Spacecraft Orbit Ephemeris
Dataset can be found at: http://celestrak.com
See more visualizations using this data setNote: While we identify the data sets used in these visualizations, we do not store any further details nor the data sets themselves on our site.
Related pages
NOAA and NASA Continue Mission to Monitor Extreme Weather and EnhanceForecasts with JPSS-2 Launchin…
Oct. 20th, 2022
Read moreAssociated cut b-roll and pre-recorded interview will be added on Friday, Oct 28th by 4:00 p.m. ET The impacts of extreme weather can be felt all around the planet, from hurricanes to wildfires and everything in between. Meteorologists bring us invaluable information about weather, and make life-saving predictions using data from NOAA satellites. On Nov. 1, NASA is scheduled to launch NOAA’s JPSS-2, the third of a series of vital Earth-observing satellites that will gather data and help protect lives and property. JPSS-2 will orbit the globe 14 times a day, passing over every single spot on Earth at least twice daily, taking measurements and snapping images that feed our daily weather forecasts, help us plan for severe weather and track global climate change. JPSS satellites map and monitor wildfires and volcanoes. They measure what’s going on inside of tropical cyclones. They tell us about extreme heat, drought and crop health. And they track harmful algal blooms and sea ice in our oceans. The satellites also measure the dust, smoke and smog that travels the globe and impacts the air we breathe. The data from these satellites are not only used by meteorologists- they’re also used by pilots, first responders, football coaches, and anyone who logs onto a smartphone app to check the weather!For more information about JPSS visit: https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/next-generation/jpss-2-launch Live interviews will be offered on Monday, Oct. 31 from 6:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. EASTERN TimeClick here to request an interview: https://forms.gle/yf4XXUFSGaZSetxR8 Form will close at 12:00 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 28Requests sent via the above form will have scheduling priority. Please do not email requests.Suggested Anchor Intro:Whether you’re looking at our weather forecast here or on your phone, chances are you’re using data from a system of satellites called JPSS. Today/Tomorrow/Tonight NASA is launching NOAA’s latest installment of the series, called JPSS-2. This satellite is going to bring data that will help meteorologists make life-saving predictions even days in advance. Here to tell us more about it is NOAA expert XX. Suggested Questions:Tomorrow is an exciting day - NASA is launching NOAA’s newest extreme weather observing satellite. Can you tell us more about this mission?How do JPSS satellites help better predict severe weather and provide more accurate forecasts?Florida is still reeling from the recent impact of Hurricane Ian. Can you talk about how NOAA satellites monitored the storm and helped emergency managers prepare? How is data from JPSS helping us better understand how the climate is changing?Where can our viewers go to learn more about JPSS?Questions for longer interviews:I understand that an inflatable heat shield will be hitching a ride into space during this launch to test a new technology. Can you tell us more about this demonstration and what NASA is hoping to learn from this test? How does JPSS-2 differ from other weather satellites like GOES?How will this new satellite work with other satellites in the Earth-observing fleet?JPSS will orbit the Earth from pole to pole at just over 500 miles above the surface, that’s pretty close as far as satellites go. Why is this type of orbit used? Do you have feedback for the Live Shot Program or want to be removed from our contact list? We would love to hear from you HERE! For More InformationSee [https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/next-generation/jpss-2-launch](https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/next-generation/jpss-2-launch) Related pages