LOGAN, Utah, Feb. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Advanced Weather Systems laboratory at Utah State University announced today that it has initiated work to build the first Sounding and Tracking Observatory for Regional Meteorology sensor for delivery to its commercial partner GeoMetWatch.

The sensor, known as STORM™, is a hyperspectral sounder that will collect and return to Earth sophisticated and critical weather data that is not currently available to weather forecasters. The procurement of this data will enable forecasters to predict severe weather and atmospheric instability more effectively, resulting in earlier evacuations that will increase the preservation of lives and property.

"The STORM™ sensor will provide unique and revolutionary weather and Earth observation capabilities that will benefit Utah, the United States and ultimately the world," says GMW CEO David Crain. "GMW is very excited that the Advanced Weather Systems lab at USU has begun production of our first geosynchronous sounder."

AWS board member and Utah State's vice president of commercialization and regional development Robert T. Behunin noted that, "It is not every day that you get to start building a sensor that could dramatically impact the way in which we think about weather. The initiation of this first sensor build is a significant milestone for Utah State University and for our USTAR Program."

"The STORM™ sensor is a sophisticated scientific instrument that our team is uniquely suited to build," said AWS lab director Scott M. Jensen.  "We are delighted at the opportunity to build this sensor and deliver it to GeoMetWatch."

STORM™ will be the first in a series of sensors that AWS will build in the coming years. The deployment of these sensors will create a global constellation of hyperspectral sounders orbiting the Earth to provide the most accurate weather data yet. Current technologies in use are twenty plus years old and provide inadequate information.

"We are beginning an exciting journey," said USU President Stan L. Albrecht. "The STORM™ project has tremendous promise and represents Utah State University's most recent success in developing cutting edge technology that will have a positive global impact."

SOURCE Utah State University