By Space and Mission Systems communications

BAE Systems is celebrating the successful launch of NOAA’s Joint Polar Satellite System-2 (JPSS-2) in the wee hours of November 10 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Lompoc, CA. Onboard JPSS-2 is the BAE Systems-built Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS) instrument, which measures atmospheric ozone and how ozone concentration varies with altitude. By measuring the global distribution of ozone, OMPS data helps scientists track the recovery of the ozone layer from the effects of ozone-depleting substances like halons or chlorofluorocarbons.

“It takes a long time for these chemicals to move out of the atmosphere, but we are starting to see the hole shrink,” said Dr. Shelley Petroy, BAE Systems Earth Science Mission Area lead, in reference to the ozone hole over Antarctica. “It’s been incredible to see what the world can do when we come together.”

This launch adds the third BAE Systems-built OMPS instrument in orbit, continuing our more than 40-year history of providing ozone monitoring instruments for NOAA and NASA.

“The amazing thing about these long-term programs are the relationships you build, the teams we’ve had and the dedication of the people here at BAE Systems who ensure we deliver the very best,” said Time Schoeneweis, BAE Systems OMPS program manager. “This is work that benefits the world all over to monitor ozone and be able to provide that data to our scientific community.”

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