To build new weather satellite instruments, L3Harris opts for automated manufacturing

L3Harris Technologies Expands Weather Satellite Instrument Production in Fort Wayne

FORT WAYNE, Indiana – L3Harris Technologies is advancing its production of critical weather satellite instruments with a new, cutting-edge space manufacturing facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The 9,290-square-meter center will modernize the development, production, and testing processes for these vital components.

According to Rob Mitrevski, vice president and general manager of Spectral Solutions at L3Harris, this advanced facility will enable significant advancements in the company’s methodologies for assembling, integrating, and testing instruments.

“The new facility signifies ongoing evolution and innovation for us in how we assemble, integrate, and test,” Mitrevski informed SpaceNews.

The streamlined, paperless facility is purposefully designed to incorporate automated manufacturing techniques, enhancing efficiency and precision.

Mitrevski emphasized the strategic benefits of the new infrastructure, stating, “It will bolster our capabilities, production throughput, and comprehension of product flow and quality. These represent substantial advancements for us as a long-term partner to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and our other weather forecasting clientele.”

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L3Harris has invested $125 million in this state-of-the-art space manufacturing and integration facility, with its official opening scheduled after a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 16. The company maintains a long-established presence in Fort Wayne.

“We made this investment several years ago, anticipating the future needs of our customers,” Mitrevski explained.

Ensuring Continuous Weather Satellite Imagery

L3Harris plays a crucial role in producing the Advanced Baseline Imager for NOAA’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite R Series (GOES-R) and its associated ground infrastructure. Additionally, the company manufactures the Cross-Track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) for NOAA’s Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS).

Earlier this year, L3Harris successfully completed the preliminary design review for the next-generation imager intended for NOAA’s Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO) program. In 2023, NASA awarded L3Harris a substantial $765.5 million contract to develop two GeoXO flight instruments, which also includes provisions for 10 years of on-orbit storage and operational support.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) also relies on weather satellite instruments from L3Harris. Himawari-10, slated for launch into geostationary orbit in 2028, will feature a visible infrared imager and a hyperspectral infrared sounder supplied by L3Harris.

“While we are in a state of constant innovation, we have consistently delivered dependable weather imagery,” Mitrevski noted. “Maintaining the continuity of these imagery capabilities is critical for NOAA, the National Weather Service, and all users.”