Fort Wayne Enters OuterSpace

NASA recently launched a new weather satellite into orbit in February. Since then, a piece of Fort Wayne, IN can now be found floating in the vacuum of outer space. NOAA-19 is a weather satellite and is the last of the Television Infrared Observation Satellite series, which has been collecting weather data since 1960.

Fort Wayne's ITT Space Systems Division designed and build the satellite's high-resolution infrared sounder and its advanced high-resolution radiometer. Data on ozone levels, surface radiance, cloud height and coverage and ocean surface temperatures will be captured as the satellite flies over the north and south poles.

ITT's expertise in the satellite's key instruments are a testament to the capacity that northeast Indiana holds in math and science talent. Northeast Indiana is home to over 160 defense/aerospace prime contractors and suppliers in addition to educational systems that provide the industry with a specialized and high-quality workforce. During 2005 and 2006 the six largest firms in this sector received a total of $2 billion in prime contracts from the Department of Defense.

Read more about the region's initiative to develop regional talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics

Learn more about northeast Indiana's defense industry