MISSION NAME
JPSS 2 (Joint Polar Satellite System spacecraft No. 2) & LOFTID
Status
Success
DATE
10 NOV 2022
LAUNCH PROVIDER
United Launch Alliance
Launch Pad
Space Launch Complex 3E
Description
JPSS is a collaborative program between NOAA and NASA. JPSS-2 is one of five satellites that will comprise the JPSS constellation. These spacecraft gather global measurements of atmospheric, terrestrial and oceanic conditions, including sea and land surface temperatures, vegetation, clouds, rainfall, snow and ice cover, fire locations and smoke plumes, atmospheric temperature, water vapor and ozone. LOFTID is a tech demo for the inflatable heatshield technology. It will attempt to survive a reentry from orbit after JPSS 2 is separated. This test will validate the technology for various applications, such as landing large payloads on Mars and engine reuse on ULA’s Vulcan rocket.
Atlas V 401
Rocket Description
An Atlas V with a 4 meter diameter fairing, no boosters and a single centaur upper stage engine.