In a significant tribute to a visionary scientist, NASA has officially renamed its cutting-edge Earth-observing satellite to Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (Suomi NPP). This honor recognizes the monumental contributions of Verner E. Suomi, a distinguished meteorologist from the University of Wisconsin, widely celebrated as “the father of satellite meteorology.” The announcement resonated throughout the scientific community on January 24th at the American Meteorological Society’s annual meeting in New Orleans, marking a pivotal moment in acknowledging Suomi’s enduring legacy.
Originally launched as the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) on October 28, 2011, from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the newly christened Suomi NPP satellite stands as a testament to Suomi’s groundbreaking work. This satellite is not merely another addition to NASA’s fleet; it is the first of its kind meticulously engineered to gather crucial data vital for enhancing short-term weather predictions and deepening our understanding of long-term climate change patterns.
John Grunsfeld, NASA’s Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate in Washington, emphasized the profound impact of Suomi’s work, stating, “Verner Suomi’s numerous scientific and engineering contributions were foundational to our present-day capability to study Earth’s weather and climate from space.” He further elaborated on the significance of Suomi NPP, highlighting that it “will not only prolong NASA’s more than four decades of satellite-based Earth observations but will also inaugurate a novel epoch of climate change discovery and weather forecasting prowess.”
The Suomi NPP mission plays a critical bridging role, connecting NASA’s Earth Observing System satellites with the forthcoming Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), a program spearheaded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). JPSS represents the civilian evolution of the former National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS), restructured under the Obama Administration in 2010.
Michael Freilich, Director of the Earth Science Division at NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, aptly described the renaming as a reflection of the mission’s true essence. “The new designation accurately embodies the mission’s purpose,” Freilich stated. “Suomi NPP will significantly advance our scientific comprehension of Earth and tangibly improve the lives of Americans by enabling more precise forecasts of weather phenomena, ocean dynamics, and the terrestrial biosphere. This mission is a collaborative achievement, born from the partnership of NASA, NOAA, the Department of Defense, the private sector, and academic researchers.”
Verner Suomi’s pioneering spirit truly revolutionized Earth observation. His innovative approach to remote sensing from space began with Explorer 7 in 1959, utilizing polar orbits hundreds of miles above Earth, and further expanded with ATS-1 in 1966, employing geostationary orbits thousands of miles high. His most renowned invention, the “spin-scan” camera, was a game-changer, allowing geostationary weather satellites to continuously capture images of Earth. This invention made satellite weather imagery, now a staple of television weather broadcasts, a reality. Beyond Earth observation, Suomi also contributed to planning interplanetary missions to Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, showcasing his versatility and vision.
Suomi dedicated the majority of his career to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where, in 1965, he established the Space Science and Engineering Center with NASA’s support. This center has become a hub for Earth-observing satellite research and development, reflecting Suomi’s lasting influence. In 1964, he briefly served as chief scientist of the U.S. Weather Bureau. His lifetime achievements were recognized with the National Medal of Science in 1977. Verner Suomi passed away in 1995 at the age of 79, leaving behind an indelible mark on meteorology and space science.
Mary Kicza, assistant administrator for NOAA’s Satellite and Information Service, underscored the fitting nature of the tribute, remarking, “It is truly appropriate that such a vital and groundbreaking partnership is named in honor of a pioneer like Verner Suomi.” She added, “Suomi NPP is an exceptionally critical mission for NOAA. Its state-of-the-art instruments will enhance our weather forecasts and deepen our understanding of climate patterns, paving the way for JPSS, our next generation of weather satellites.”
Suomi NPP is currently undergoing its initial checkout phase before commencing regular data collection with its five instruments. Commissioning activities are projected to conclude by March. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, manages the Suomi NPP mission for the Earth Science Division of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The JPSS program is responsible for the satellite’s ground system, while NOAA provides ongoing operational support, solidifying the collaborative nature of this pioneering endeavor.
