KSC-2011-7163

BALL AEROSPACE, Boulder, Colo. – In a Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corp. cleanroom in Boulder, Colo., technicians have completed integration and performance testing of the Cross-track Infrared Sounder CrIS that will fly aboard NASA's National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project NPP satellite. CrIS will produce high-resolution, three-dimensional temperature, pressure, and moisture profiles which will be used to enhance weather forecasting models for short and long-term weather forecasting. A United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket will carry NPP into space. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System JPSS to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System EOS satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 27. For more information, visit http:__www.nasa.gov_NPP. Photo credit: Ball Aerospace