• Operational Support to the Nation's Space Program
• Applied Research and Development
 
• Transfer of Technology and Scientific Concepts 
• Interagency Collaboration and Technical Support

Operational Support to the Nation's Space Program

• Provide direct operational support and expertise on the optimization and use of the WSR-88D during spaceflight launches/landings and critical ground-processing operations at the direction of the USAF's 45^th Weather Squadron at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and the NWS Spaceflight Meteorology Group (SMG) at Johnson Space Center (JSC). This includes meteorological support and advice, HMT coordination, and ET assistance to insure required radar availability.

 
• Coordinate with Emergency Managers and Spaceflight Managers concerning procedures to protect the public during the launch of radioactive materials and for possible launch mishaps. High-priority operational support is required for civil emergencies during actual spaceflight launch accidents (of which there has been 3 during the past 4 years). Such instances require immediate expert meteorological advice to Emergency Managers, and the composition, dissemination, and broadcast of Civil Emergency Messages on NOAA Weather Radio (with Emergency Alert System activation).

 
• Provide logistics, data, personnel, meteorological support and a temporary operational facility to the USAF battle-staff responsible for spaceflight operations during hurricane evacuations of KSC and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (plan activated 3 times during the past 5 years, most recently and notably during Hurricane Floyd in 1999).

Average hours per year: 300

Applied Research and Development

To engage in applied research and development in collaboration with the USAF's 45th Weather Squadron at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and the NWS Spaceflight Meteorology Group at Johnson Space Center (JSC) to support space vehicle launch, landing, and ground operations, and to enhance weather services to the public through...

• optimal configuration and operation of the WSR-88D weather radar at NWS MLB via adaptable parameter settings and manual techniques derived from local studies.
   
• exploitation of total lightning technology to enhance and improve short-term forecasts and warnings by gaining an improved understanding of electrical characteristics.
   
• expanded use of mesoscale numerical models, including the incorporation of high resolution radar data and the dense array of observations from the NASA meso-network.

Note: A list of publications resulting from applied research and development conducted at NWS Melbourne is available. Our goal has been to disseminate the results as widely as possible. Many of the techniques and principles developed are currently in use across the NWS.

Average hours per year: 800

Transfer of Technology and Scientific Concepts

To improve the accuracy of forecasts and warnings by transferring into operations...

• new technology derived from local Research and Development associated with unique area sensors and other integrated data sets.
   

• workstations and platforms configured for the display of innovative information.
   

• scientific concepts and results obtained from applied local research and training. 

Average hours per year: 950

Interagency Collaboration and Technical Support

• Participate in the determination of official Applied Meteorology Unit tri-agency tasks by furnishing scientific insight, with follow-up guidance throughout the tasking cycle.
   
• Participate in annual interagency Technical Interchange Meetings to share new science & technology advances for the mutual benefit of all agencies.
   
• Assess local research for validity and local application and serve as a point-of-contact pertaining to spaceflight meteorology.
   
• Remain current with impacting weather issues related to launch and landing commit criteria and ground operations for space vehicles. 

Note: A continuous effort is required to coordinate between agencies to foster mutually beneficial relationships at the advanced scientific level required. For example, over 1200 e-mails were received between April 1997 and September 2000 relating to the management and leadership of the AMU, as well as interactions with collaborating partners.

Average hours per year: 500