Putting
satellites in orbit is just one part of developing
a satellite system. The satellite must obtain useful information via
various sensors including visual television and still-camera systems,
passive sensors such as infra-red heat detectors, and active microwave
systems that transmit signals and receive reflected return signals
from various atmospheric and oceanographic phenomena. This information
must then be transmitted to ground stations that receive and process
the data for inclusion in various weather and climate products. All
of this, plus the skilled scientists, engineers, and technicians that
keep the various components operating, make up the NOAA satellite
systems that have proven so beneficial to the people of the United
States.
