Weather Directorate Strengthens International Relations

SPACEWAR

This high-resolution DMSP capability has been coveted since its inception in 1965 because it saves surveillance and observation time when targets are obscured by clouds, said Lt. Col. Brian Bjornson, deputy chief of policy for the Air Force Directorate of Weather.

Washington (AFPN) May 26, 2001
The secretary of the Air Force for international affairs recently approved the Air Force Directorate Of Weather's request to release previously restricted weather data and software programs to many U.S. allies and coalition partners.

This sharing of technology and information forges a new path in the international arena, weather officials said.

As the Defense Department center of excellence for weather satellite imagery, the Air Force Directorate Of Weather manages weather satellite data received from the defense meteorological satellite program.

Many U.S. allies now have permanent access to this real-time DMSP data, a huge leap forward from their current technologies, Bjornson said. Coalition partners will also have access, but on a controlled and more limited basis.

Also, night vision goggle operational weather software is now releasable to all allies who purchased goggles from the United States. Allies who purchased weapons systems from the United States may also have access to target acquisition weather software.

Both software packages have been the most requested weather-related computer programs for the past decade because of their unique application to electro-optical munitions delivery operations, Bjornson said.

"The tools are so popular that the Navy, in partnership with the Air Force Research Lab, is funding modifications that will enable use on defense information infrastructure and common operating environment compliant systems," Bjornson said.

"Military operators have learned from past experience that they can be much more effective with precision weapons if they incorporate precision weather forecasting tools in their planning and execution process," he said.

SPACEWAR

Taiwan, US Sign Accord on Weather Satellites

Taipei (AFP) May 03, 2001
Taiwan and the United States on Thursday signed a joint venture agreement to produce and launch six micro satellites for weather forecasting.

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.