The Severe Storms Observation Satellite /SSOS/

The objective of the Severe Storms Observation Satellite (SSOS) is to continuously observe meteorological phenomena from geosynchronous altitude and to acquire data whose analysis will lead to a better understanding, early detection, and prediction of severe storms and other significant mesoscale events such as dust storms. Details are discussed as to the Advanced Atmospheric Sounding and Imaging Radiometer designed for SSOS, the use of a special spacecraft for an R&D mission, data acquisition, and data processing and analysis. The required accurate vertical temperature and moisture profiles as well as high temporal and spatial resolution images can best be obtained by a three-axis stabilized system, which offers approximately an order of magnitude sensing improvement over a comparable spinning system due to its capability to continuously view the earth. A block diagram of the severe storm analysis system is included.