This gives meteorologists information on "atmospheric temperature and moisture, clouds, sea-surface temperature, ocean color, sea ice cover, volcanic ash, and fire detection" so as to enhance weather forecasting including hurricane tracking, post-hurricane recovery by detailing storm damage and mapping of power outages.

The project's greater-detailed observations provide better predictions and emphasize climate behavior in cases like El Niño and La Niña.

[2] The satellite bus of the project and Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS) equipment, was designed by Ball Aerospace & Technologies.

[5][6] In August 2016, following environmental testing, launch slipped from 20 January 2017 to 16 March 2017 due to problems with ATMS and the ground system.

[8] The launch was delayed from September 2017 to 10 November 2017 to provide extra time for engineers to complete testing of the spacecraft and electronics as well as ATMS.

It was launched along with 5 CubeSats that conducted research in "3D-printed polymers for in-space manufacturing, weather data collection, bit flip memory testing, radar calibration and the effects of space radiation on electronic components".

The Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) is a cross-track scanner with 22 channels, provides sounding observations needed to retrieve atmospheric temperature and moisture profiles for civilian operational weather forecasting as well as continuity of these measurements for climate monitoring purposes.

The improved vertical resolution of OMPS data products allows for better testing and monitoring of the complex chemistry involved in ozone destruction near the troposphere.