Next-generation infrared sensors have been fitted to the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) by ITT Geospatial Systems.
The firm was subcontracting for Northrop Grumman and the fitting of these sensors will now enable scientists to more accurately predict weather patterns in the future.
Present systems have 20 infrared channels, whereas these new sensors will open up more than 1,000 to enhance spatial awareness in the infrared band.
Rob Mitrevski, vice-president and general manager of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems for ITT, said: "This accomplishment expands ITT's legacy of providing reliable, sophisticated climate and environmental monitoring sensors and systems for more than 40 years."
Elsewhere, Cobham Sensor Systems (CSS) recently announced the award of a new $17.4 million (£11.5 million) contract with Raytheon Missile Systems for the use of its sensor equipment in military applications.
Ground-to-air and ground-to-ground missiles will be fitted with CSS' target acquisition equipment.