The Next Generation Special Sensor Ultraviolet Limb Imager (SSULI+) for Operational Defense Space Weather Monitoring and Forecasting

The Special Sensor Ultraviolet Limb Imager (SSULI) sensors aboard the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) Block-5D3 satellites have successfully demonstrated both space weather sensing of the thermosphere and ionosphere and the high impact potential of UV remote sensing upon global assimilative operational ionosphere and thermosphere models. NRL is currently developing next-generation SSULI+ space weather sensors to maintain operational space weather sensing capability beyond the DMSP program. Applying recent technological innovations to update the proven heritage design provides SSULI+ with 10X higher sensitivity, robust rejection of environmental ion noise, and added measurement capability while reducing size, weight, and power requirements. We present data product improvements expected for the new SSULI+ sensor design and discuss the positive impact upon operational applications.