NOAA-19: The Last of the POES Weather Satellites
NOAA-19, also known as NOAA-N Prime, is the final satellite in the Polar Operational Environmental Satellites (POES) series operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Launched on 6 February 2009 aboard a Delta II rocket, NOAA-19 carries a suite of instruments designed to
Introduction to NOAA-19
NOAA-19, also known as NOAA-N Prime, is the final satellite in the Polar Operational Environmental Satellites (POES) series operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Launched on 6 February 2009 aboard a Delta II rocket, NOAA-19 carries a suite of instruments designed to monitor weather patterns, climate, and environmental conditions. The satellite's NORAD ID is 33591.
Mission and Purpose
NOAA-19's primary mission is to provide continuous data for weather forecasting and environmental monitoring. It carries instruments such as the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR/3) and the High Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS/4), which are crucial for collecting data on atmospheric temperature, humidity, and sea surface temperatures. These instruments help meteorologists predict weather patterns and contribute to climate research.
Orbital Characteristics
NOAA-19 operates in a sun-synchronous orbit, which allows it to pass over the same part of the Earth at roughly the same local solar time. This orbit is at an altitude of approximately 870 kilometres with an inclination of 98.7 degrees. The satellite completes an orbit around the Earth approximately every 102 minutes. This precise orbit enables consistent and reliable data collection, essential for accurate weather forecasting.
Significance and Legacy
As the last of the POES series, NOAA-19 represents the culmination of decades of satellite meteorology. The POES satellites have been instrumental in improving weather prediction accuracy and understanding climate change over the years. NOAA-19 continues to provide valuable data that supports not only weather forecasting but also research in environmental sciences. Its legacy is carried forward by the next generation of weather satellites, such as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS).
Current Status
As of now, NOAA-19 remains operational, contributing to NOAA's mission of monitoring and understanding the Earth's environment. While newer satellites have joined the fleet, NOAA-19 continues to be a vital part of the global weather monitoring system. For more detailed information about NOAA-19's current status and operational details, you can visit its profile in the Orbital Radar Satellite Library.
