The Geosynchronous Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (GIFTS) is a new Geostationary Satellite system which combines advanced technologies to observe surface thermal properties and atmospheric moisture, temperature and chemistry variables in higher resolution than previously possible. Large area format Focal Plane detector Arrays (LFPAs) provide near instantaneous large area coverage with approximately 4 km horizontal resolutions. A Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) enables atmospheric radiance spectra to be observed simultaneously for all LFPA detector elements thereby providing high vertical resolution temperature and moisture sounding information. The fourth dimension, time, is provided by the geosynchronous satellite platform, which enables near continuous imaging of the atmosphere's three-dimensional structure. These technologies will allow GIFTS to provide: (1) water-vapor winds throughout the troposphere, (2) surface temperature and atmospheric soundings with high spatial and temporal resolution, and (3) transports of tropospheric pollutant gases (i.e., CO and O3) will be observed. GIFTS will be launched in 2005 as NASA's third New Millennium Program (NMP) Earth Observing (EO-3) satellite mission, and will serve as the prototype of sounding systems to fly on future NOAA operational geosynchronous satellites. After a one-year validation period in view of North America, the GIFTS will be repositioned to become the Navy’s Indian Ocean METOC Imager (IOMI).

In this presentation we describe the GIFTS technology and provide examples of the GIFTS remote sensing capabilities and the potential impact of these data in future forecast systems. We will also discuss opportunities for attendees to participate in student and adult outreach programs, as well as meteorological assessments.