JPSS Product, Applications, and Training Resources

The Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) is a new generation of weather satellites that provide environmental monitoring around the globe. The JPSS constellation currently has two polar-orbiting satellites, providing near-real time imagery and product applications to users: Suomi-National Polar-orbiting Partnership (S-NPP) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – 20 (NOAA-20). S-NPP launched in 2011 and served as the prototype to the upcoming JPSS satellite series, JPSS 1-4. JPSS-1 (also known as NOAA-20) launched in 2017 and JPSS-2 is scheduled for launch in 2022. Each satellite features identical instrumentation: Visible/Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS), Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS), Ozone Mapping Profiler Suite (OMPS) and the Clouds and Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES). Forecast applications include detecting and characterizing the properties of water and ice clouds, snow, sea surface temperatures, sea ice, fog, fire, severe and tropical weather, vegetation health, and aerosols. Applications also include satellite monitoring of atmospheric features during the nighttime provided from the Day/Night Band (DNB). DNB nighttime satellite observations range from detecting emitted lights produced from wildfires, lightning and auroras to observing cloud cover and snow cover from reflected moonlight. Accompanying satellite training denoted as the Satellite Foundational Course for JPSS (SatFC-J), has been developed and made available to both NOAA and non-NOAA users to assist with understanding and interpretation of these datasets and products. Product reference materials are also available in the forms of quick guides (1-2 page documents) and quick briefs (3-5 minute videos) to assist in comprehension of product applications and limitations. Both the course and reference materials are available to NOAA users via NOAA Virtual Laboratory (VLab) and via SHyMET webpages for non-NOAA users. The presentation will highlight examples of product applications along with satellite training resources and web-links.