DMSP User Segment Strategic Elements
The DMSP User Segment supports the users of DMSP satellite data.
DMSP data is transmitted in realtime to tactical users or stored
and transmitted once per orbit to strategic users. The strategic
customers include Air Force Global Weather Central (AFGWC) at Offutt
Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, and the Navy Fleet Numerical
Oceanographic Center (FNOC) in Monterey, California. The tactical
users of DMSP data include the Rapid Deployment Imagery Terminals (RDITs),
the Mark IV series of transportable terminals, and the AN/SMQ-11
Shipboard Receiving Terminals.
DMSP Air Force Global Weather Central
Air Force Global Weather Central is the primary strategic customer
of DMSP imagery and sensor data. DSMP data is received by the Data
Reconstruction System at Site III (at AFGWC), where it is processed and
forwarded to the Central Database computers and to the Satellite
Data Handling System.
Auroral display over North America captured by DMSP F7.
DMSP Data Reconstruction System
The Data Reconstruction System at Site III receives DMSP data from
3.072 Mbps domestic satellite links. The DMSP data is processed to
form 1.33 Mbps light and thermal data streams, which are forwarded
directly to the Satellite Data Handling System. The image data is
separated from the special sensor data before both are forwarded to
the Central Database, where the imagery is incorporated into the
Satellite Global Database (SGDB).
Satellite Data Handling System Tropical Forecasting
section.
Fleet Numerical Meteorology Oceanography Center
FNMOC is one of two primary weather centers of the Naval
Oceanographic Command. FNMOC receives DMSP data with a
subset of the Data Reconstruction System equipment.
FNMOC systems utilize DMSP satellite data and conventional
weather data to analyze and forecast atmospheric and
oceanic conditions.
DMSP Satellite Data Handling System
Weather forecasters use the Satellite Data Handling System to
generate weather products interactively. Weather products are
generated using satellite imagery from Site III, SGDB data from the
AFGWC Central Database, and conventional weather data using a variety
of processing capabilities, including over 50 specialized
meteorological processing functions. Weather products such as
Tactical Decision Aids are generated and disseminated
automatically.
Data Restruction System at Site III
CDFS II
The purpose of the CDFS II system is to meet the changing cloud
analysis and
forecast product requirements of national programs, and satisfy the
need for
more accurate cloud analyses and forecasts used to support combat
operations
and planning. The CDFS II will functionally replace the CDFS
capabilities,
which reside at the Air Force Global Weather Central (AFGWC). The
Air Force
will employ the CDFS II as an integral component of the hardware and
software
systems AFGWC uses to provide centralized weather products to US
combat
forces, Unified Commands, all AF and Army major commands, and
national
programs.
[ To Beginning |
Backward |
Forward |
To End ]
Designed and Developed by
John Bohlson, Leonard Daly, and Charles Simmons
The Aerospace Corporation
Last modified on July 03, 1997
Please send any questions or comments regarding this service or content to
DMSP WebMaster - James Dixon