Will the Weather Outside be Frightful?

Julie Kalista
Online Editor

Has more technology really helped predict the weather? No matter how you feel, perhaps the Defense Meteorlogical Satellite Program (DMSP) will help. An F-17 spacecraft aboard a Delta IV rocket launched on Saturday November 4, 2006 from Vandenberg Air Force Base. This satellite went into near-polar orbit carrying sensors designed for monitoring meteorological, oceanographic, and solar-geophysical factors for military use. The satellite also provides space environmental data to assist with high-frequency communications, over-the-horizon radar, and re-entry tasks. Since this satellite is designed to predict the forecast for military tasks maybe it will be more accurate in weather prediction?

This web-only article appeared in the Aerospace e-mail newsletter. If you enjoyed this article and would like to read similar articles sign up today for our free e-mail newsletters!