L3Harris completes design review for Japan’s new weather satellite

By Defence Industry Europe

L3Harris Technologies, a leading US aerospace and defence firm, has successfully finalised the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for key components of Japan's upcoming Himawari-10 meteorological satellite. The satellite, commissioned by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and to be manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, aims to significantly enhance weather forecasting capabilities across Japan and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

 

The PDR validated the baseline designs for the satellite’s advanced imager and hyperspectral infrared sounder. These sophisticated instruments are expected to improve real-time monitoring of extreme weather events, such as typhoons, enabling more accurate forecasts and timely disaster warnings.

The advanced imager is based on L3Harris’ proven Advanced Baseline Imager technology, incorporating customised spectral bands to address Japan’s specific weather forecasting needs. Meanwhile, the hyperspectral sounder will provide detailed three-dimensional data on atmospheric temperature and humidity, further enhancing meteorological accuracy.

 

 

L3Harris received a five-year contract in 2023 to develop and deliver these cutting-edge systems. Ed Zoiss, President of Space and Airborne Systems at L3Harris, stated: “Our world-class weather instruments will assist JMA in their efforts to enhance real-time disaster monitoring and warning capabilities.”

Himawari-10 is set to strengthen the global meteorological community, offering advanced data and imagery for regional and international applications.

 

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