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NASA Welcomes Public to JPSS-2 and LOFTID Virtual Mission Events

At Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, teams hoist the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket for the NOAA and NASA’s Joint Polar Satellite System-2 mission into a vertical position in preparation on Sept. 28, 2022.

Editor’s note: As of Saturday, Oct. 29, this advisory is no longer current. NASA and United Launch Alliance announced a delay for the JPSS-2 and LOFTID launch, and are now targeting no earlier than Wednesday, Nov. 9, for launch. The agency will post additional updates on its blog and issue a new advisory when NASA TV coverage is finalized.

Members of the public may take part in virtual activities and events ahead of NASA’s launch of The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Joint Polar Satellite System-2 (JPSS-2) mission and NASA’s Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID) technology demonstration. Liftoff is targeted for 2:25 a.m. PDT on Tuesday, Nov. 1, from Launch Complex-3 at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

JPSS-2 is the third satellite in the Joint Polar Satellite System series and is designed to provide full global coverage twice a day. JPSS represents significant technological and scientific advancements in observations to predict severe weather and monitor the environment. Once in orbit about 512 miles above Earth, JPSS-2 will capture data to inform weather forecasts, helping scientists predict and prepare for extreme weather events. Also launching as a secondary payload on the satellite is LOFTID, an inflatable aeroshell, or heat shield, that could be used for crewed and large robotic missions to destinations such as Mars, Venus, Titan, as well as returning large payloads to Earth.

Members of the public can register to attend the launch virtually. The virtual guest program for this launch includes curated launch resources, timely mission updates, and a virtual guest passport stamp following a successful launch.

Tune in at midnight EDT Tuesday, Nov. 1 (9 p.m. PDT Monday, Oct. 31), as NASA Edge hosts the JPSS-2 tower rollback show live on NASA TV and YouTube. Countdown commentary will begin at 4:45 a.m. EDT Tuesday, Nov. 1 (1:45 a.m. PDT), and air on NASA Television and the agency’s website, as well as  YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitch, Daily Motion, Theta.TV and NASA’s App.

Members of the public can also share in the journey through a variety of activities, including:

Virtual Launch Passport

Print, fold, and get ready to fill your virtual passport. Stamps will be emailed following launch.

Classroom and At-home Educational Resources

The NOAA Joint Polar Satellite System webpage provides STEM activities and lessons to teach K-12 students and the general public about how and why polar-orbiting weather satellites observe Earth and its atmosphere.

Explore JPSS in Your Community

Besides providing weather forecasts, JPSS benefits everyone in all 50 states through research opportunities, partnerships, education, and more. Explore your area and others to learn how JPSS fits in.

Just the Facts: Low Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID)

LOFTID will demonstrate inflatable heat shield technology for atmospheric entry and re-entry. It will be the largest blunt object to ever return from space to Earth. After it re-enters the atmosphere, LOFTID will splash down about 500 miles off the coast of Hawaii. Get the fact sheet here.

Watch and Engage on Social Media

Stay connected with the mission on social media and let people know you’re following it on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram using the hashtag #JPSS2Launch, #JPSS2 and #LOFTID on these accounts:

For NASA’s launch blog, visit:

https://blogs.nasa.gov/jpss-2/

For more information about mission, visit:

https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/next-generation/jpss-2-launch