....for the production of satellite-based precipitation measuring sensors. The additional award brings the total contract value to $50 million. The sensors are for the Global Precipitation Measurement program. The program uses a network of satellites to measure precipitation and produce data on the Earth’s water and energy cycles. The project partnership is comprised of a consortium of international space agencies from around the world.
GPM is a replacement of the previous system used for the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission, which was initiated by NASA and the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency and launched in 1997. “It’s rewarding to know that our work in this program will result in better understanding of water in our environment,” said Rich Sorelle, vice president and general manager of the Exelis integrated electronic warfare systems business. The next GPM satellite is expected to launch in low earth orbit in 2014.