These objectives indicate the dual nature of the Meteorological Program. From the meteorological science point of view, we are providing basic information for research that will lead to a fuller explanation of the relationship between atmospheric weather events and events in the upper atmosphere and beyond. By studying the results of both the space science programs and the meteorological programs, scientists hope to learn how the weather on Earth is linked to events outside the Earth's atmosphere. From the applications point of view, NASA is responsive to the requirements of the Weather Bureau and DOD in providing the appropriate kinds of systems spacecraft, and spacecraft operations that will permit the Weather Bureau to execute its national weather service function and the DOD its required weather dependent operations. The Weather Bureau coordinates its meteorological requirements with those of the DOD and works with NASA in the development of a program that is responsive to these requirements. Progress The meteorological program to date has had a highly successful flight record (fig. 144). By means of the eight TIROS satellites that have been launched, we have maintained almost continuous cloud cover surveillance since April 1, 1960, the date of the launch of the first TIROS. These launches have: 1. Demonstrated the feasibility of satellites as meteorological observational tools. 2. Provided important and useful meteorological data. 3. Produced a system for acquiring and transmitting satellite information in time for operational use. 4. Demonstrated a peaceful use of space which is understood and supported by the world. Figure 145 illustrates a use to which the TIROS photographs have been put. More than 40 years ago, Bjerknes and Solberg of the Norwegian School of Meteorology provided this drawing based on the theory (on the left) of a developing storm cyclone or warm and cold frontal system. The symbols are familiar essentially to the meteorologist but can be generally interpreted as depicting the life cycle of such a frontal system. To the right are some TIROS photos which have been taken of similar storms in different stages of development. The photos to the right have been labeled with letters which correspond with the Norwegian labeling. The comparison between the two demonstrates the accuracy of the 40-year-old hypothesis of the Norwegians, but at the same time, the photographs provide considerably more detail needed for further theoretical advances. The measurements taken by the TIROS infrared radiometers are beginning to provide basic information of how the Earth and the atmosphere respond to the solar heating. Figure 146 is one of the very first world maps showing the temperatures of the Earth and the atmosphere as measured from space. The chart depicts cold regions, either of the ground temperature or of cloud tops, as well as warm regions. For example, you will note that the data verify the extreme difference in temperature between the Sahara Desert and the higher latitudes. Cloud temperatures can be compared in a similar but more detailed manner. The important feature is the detail of the temperature variations shown by the data. By studying many charts such as this, we shall be able to learn much of how the Earth and the atmosphere receive and utilize the solar radiation and thus be in a better position to explain and predict the future behavior of the Earth's WORLD RADIATION MAP - 16 JULY 1961 weather. It is quite possible that we will also learn what would be involved in the control or at least substantial modification of the Earth's weather from studies of this kind. From the operational point of view, the data from the TIROS satellites have been put to considerable daily use. TIROS status.-In June 1963, TIROS VII was launched and is continuing to provide data from its cameras and radiometers. Figure 147 shows TIROS VIII, the most recent in the series. It was launched December 21, 1963, and is providing the first flight test of the Automatic Picture Transmission System permitting local weather forecasters to receive satellite cloud pictures with relatively inexpensive ground equipment. Figure 148 shows that TIROS data, as analyzed and put to operational use by the Weather Bureau, have been used in support of daily weather analysis and forecasting including adjusting map analyses, tracking hurricanes, special storm advisories, and support of other operational programs. TIROS observations have been used specifically in support of operational missions such as Project MERCURY, RANGER, the DISCOVERER series, the Antarctic resupply mission, Joint Task Force 8, ice reconnaissance, special military requirements, and others. In addition, research in the atmospheric sciences has been based on TIROS data-both the TV photographic data and the infrared radiometric data. NIMBUS status.-NIMBUS (fig. 149) is a second generation meteorological satellite scheduled for flight during the first half of 1964. NIMBUS is designed to overcome some of the limitations of TIROS. Whereas TIROS is space-oriented and has been launched 239,360 USABLE PICTURES 8,199 CLOUD COVER ANALYSES 480 WEATHER ANALYSES IMPROVEMENTS FIGURE 148 NASA SF64-221 in an inclined orbit, NIMBUS will be Earth-oriented and launched in a nearly polar orbit. In addition, NIMBUS will have improved and new sensory equipment. This will include improved radiation sensory equipment, automatic picture transmission (APT) equipment, advanced vidicon camera systems, and new experimental devices designed to provide improved and increased coverage. NIMBUS was originally conceived as a program serving two objectives. The first was to provide a platform for the development of new devices, techniques, and increased coverage and to provide more refined and detailed information that will lead to a better understanding and interpretation of meteorological phenomena. A second objective of NIMBUS was to develop a satellite system for use in the operational meteorological satellite program sponsored by the Weather Bureau. On October 4, 1963, the Weather Bureau announced its intent to withdraw from the plan to use the present configuration of NIMBUS as the basis for the operational meteorological satellite system. In order to meet meteorological data requirements while operating the system within resources limitations, it had been decided that further development would be required. Thus, it was planned to proceed with an interim system until the technology is evolved for developing the ultimate system. Meanwhile NASA is continuing with the development of the NIMBUS research and development spacecraft for flight test in support of the first of the above objectives and to lead toward the development of a fully operational system. Figure 150 gives a summary of the meteorological program accomplishments in calendar year 1963. |