Since 2003, NRL has foreseen the capabilities from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), posting examples based on heritage sensors on the Next Generation Satellite Demonstration Project (NexSat) satellite website. NexSat has been funded by NOAA to provide a web-based satellite resource to the global public with image products obtained from a) VIIRS heritage sensors (AVHRR, MODIS and OLS), b) VIIRS proxy datasets from two sources. The launch of NPP is anticipated to occur on 25 October 2011. During this initial phase, NexSat will be devoted toward providing the public with “Day One” viewing, which will include true color, visible, IR, as well as a suite of value-added products.

The theme of this presentation is to illustrate the unprecedented sensing capabilities of VIIRS. This presentation will include the following:

• Provide a general VIIRS overview via NexSat website, equipped with informational links.

• Display imagery that simulates VIIRS, using proxy-derived ocean and cloud imagery.

• Demonstrate the following products developed at NRL using VIIRS heritage sensors (MODIS, AVHRR, OLS): aerosol optical thickness, cloud layers, cloud top height, volcanic ash, cloud/snow, and active fires.

• Data fusion that combine VIIRS heritage data with GEO sensors and model output

• Google Earth viewing of products

• Illustrate the VIIRS day night band channel (DNB) during nighttime conditions.