Delta II 7920 - NPP (NPOESS Preparatory Project) - VAFB, Oct. 28, 2011

[jacqmans]

Spacecraft: NPP (NPOESS Preparatory Project)
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7920
Launch Site:  Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
Launch Pad:  Space Launch Complex 2
Launch Date:  Oct. 25, 2011
Launch Window: 2:47:35 a.m. - 2:57:35 a.m. PDT

At Space Launch Complex 2, the Delta II first stage was hoisted into
position in the launcher and secured on July 20. The three solid
rocket boosters will be attached July 27-29. The second stage will be
hoisted atop the first stage on Aug. 1.

The payload fairing was hoisted into the mobile service tower on July
19 where it will be stored until the NPP spacecraft arrives at the
pad in October.

[jacqmans]

Spacecraft: NPP (NPOESS Preparatory Project)
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7920
Launch Site:  Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
Launch Pad:  Space Launch Complex 2
Launch Date:  Oct. 25, 2011
Launch Window: 5:47:35 a.m. - 5:57:35 a.m. EDT

At Space Launch Complex 2, work to erect and attach the three solid
rocket boosters to the first stage began July 27 and was completed
Aug. 1. The second stage will be hoisted atop the first stage Aug. 2.

[jimvela]

Good 'ol Delta II.

I can't wait to see NPP clear the tower. 

As happy as I'll be when I know that NPP made it to orbit, I'll be more than a little sad to see the Delta II finale.

Can't wait to get out to ASO and go for the ritual first night run to the Hitchin' Post...

Go NPP!!

[jacqmans]

Spacecraft: NPP (NPOESS Preparatory Project)
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7920
Launch Site:  Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
Launch Pad:  Space Launch Complex 2
Launch Date:  Oct. 25, 2011
Launch Window: 2:48:01 a.m. - 2:57:11 a.m. PDT (9 min. 10 sec.)

At Space Launch Complex 2, the Delta II first and second stages and
the nine solid rocket boosters are fully integrated at the pad.
Testing is under way.

The NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) spacecraft is scheduled to arrive
at Vandenberg on Aug. 30.

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.

[david1971]

I was forwarded information about a workshop for educators that discusses this mission & related topics, and lets them witness the launch.

Please pass on to any science teachers you may know:
http://endeavourinstitute.org/launch_conference.html

[jacqmans]

NASA NPP Educator Launch Conference

Date: Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 24-25, 2011

Target audience: K-12 educators and administrators

Location: Allan Hancock College's Lompoc Valley Center, 1 Hancock Drive, Lompoc, Calif. 93436

Overview: Witness the launch of NASA's next-generation weather and Earth science mission as part of NASA's NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP), and learn about real-world Earth, atmospheric and rocket science, as well as NPP's cutting-edge satellite instrument technology.

This educational program will provide a personal tour of the NASA Mission Director Center, close-up viewing of the powerful Delta II launch vehicle on the launch pad, as well as hands-on practical educator workshops and presentations by NASA and NOAA principal investigators and other practitioners. Participants will also have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious dinner at the Vandenberg Air Force Base Officers' Club while meeting with many formal and informal STEM educators, scientists and engineers.


The NPP mission will help link the current generation of Earth-observing satellites called the Earth Observing System (EOS) to a next-generation of operational polar-orbiting environmental satellites called the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NPP's data products will help meteorologists improve weather forecasts and advance Earth and climate science. The remote-sensing instruments aboard NPP will measure the Earth's atmospheric and sea surface temperatures, humidity and pressure profiles, land and ocean biological activity and cloud and aerosol properties. NOAA meteorologists will incorporate the data into their weather and climate prediction models to produce accurate, life-saving forecasts and warnings.

For more information on the NPP program and uses in the classroom go to: http://npp.gsfc.nasa.gov/nppy.html . General NPP program information can be found at: http://npp.gsfc.nasa.gov/ .

For more information about the conference and to register online, visit http://endeavourinstitute.org/launch .



- end -

[jacqmans]

RELEASE: 11-282

NASA EARTH-OBSERVING SATELLITE ARRIVES IN CALIFORNIA FOR LAUNCH

WASHINGTON -- On Tuesday, Aug. 30, NASA's next Earth-observing
research satellite arrived at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California
to begin preparations for an October launch.

The National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System
Preparatory Project (NPP) is the first of a new generation of
satellites that will observe many facets of our changing Earth.

The satellite will collect critical data to improve our understanding
of long-term climate change and short-term weather conditions. With
NPP, NASA continues many key data records initiated by the agency's
Earth Observing System satellites by monitoring changes occurring in
the atmosphere, oceans, vegetation, ice and solid Earth.

On Aug. 28, NPP was placed in a shipping container and loaded on a
transport truck at Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. in Boulder,
Colo. After Tuesday's arrival, the satellite was unloaded and moved
into the clean room at the AstroTech facility for launch preparation.


"The NPP team has produced an outstanding satellite and kept to
schedule during the past year and a half," said Ken Schwer, NPP
project manager at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt,
Md. "The world is looking forward to NPP's scientific measurements."

The NPP spacecraft will undergo prelaunch processing at Vandenberg,
including a solar array functional test; a spacecraft limited
performance test; and testing of the science instruments. Following
these tests and a spacecraft launch simulation, the satellite will be
fueled with its attitude control propellant.

NPP will be launched on a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7920
expendable launch vehicle. The Delta II first stage was hoisted into
position on the pad at NASA's Space Launch Complex 2 on July 20. By
Aug. 2, the nine solid rocket boosters were attached, and the second
stage was hoisted atop the first stage. Launch vehicle testing is
under way.

The NPP spacecraft is scheduled to move to the pad and be mated with
the rocket on Oct. 7. Launch is scheduled for Oct. 25 during a
9-minute and 10-second launch window from 5:48:01 to 5:57:11 a.m.
EDT. The Delta II will place the satellite into a 512-mile high
circular polar orbit.

NPP is the first satellite mission to address the challenge of
acquiring a wide range of land, ocean, and atmospheric measurements
for Earth system science while simultaneously preparing to address
operational requirements for weather forecasting.

NPP serves as a bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System of
satellites and the forthcoming Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS).
Previously called the National Polar-orbiting Operational
Environmental Satellite System, JPSS satellites will be developed by
NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

NPP will carry five science instruments and test key technologies for
the JPSS missions. Data from NPP will help scientists ensure a
continuous record of environmental satellite data and also contribute
to weather forecasting efforts. NOAA meteorologists will incorporate
NPP data into their weather prediction models to produce accurate
forecasts and warnings that will help emergency responders monitor
and react to natural disasters.

Goddard manages the NPP mission on behalf of the Earth Science
Division of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in
Washington. The JPSS program is providing the ground system for NPP.
NOAA will provide operational support for the mission. Launch
management is the responsibility of the NASA Launch Services Program
at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

For more information about NPP, visit:


http://www.nasa.gov/npp


For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:



http://www.nasa.gov 

[jacqmans]

Spacecraft: NPP (NPOESS Preparatory Project)
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7920
Launch Site:  Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
Launch Pad:  Space Launch Complex 2
Launch Date:  Oct. 25, 2011
Launch Window: 2:48:01 a.m. - 2:57:11 a.m. PDT (9 min., 10 sec.)
Orbital Altitude:  512 miles

The NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) spacecraft arrived at Vandenberg
Air Force Base on Aug. 30 as scheduled. Removal of the satellite from
its environmentally controlled shipping container now is under way.

At Space Launch Complex 2, the Delta II rocket first stage was hoisted
into position on the pad July 20. The nine solid rocket boosters were
attached between July 28 and Aug. 1. The second stage was hoisted
atop the first stage on Aug. 2. Testing of the launch vehicle
continues.

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.

[jsmjr]

http://www.nasa.gov/connect/tweetup/tweetup_npp_10-24-2011.html

NASA to Host First West Coast Launch Tweetup
10.24.11
 
NASA will host a tweetup for 25 of its Twitter followers on from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 24 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California for the launch of the first of a new generation of global Earth-observing satellites.

The tweetup is expected to culminate in the launch of NASA's NPP satellite aboard a Delta II rocket between 2:48 a.m. and 2:57 a.m. PDT Tuesday, Oct. 25.

NPP -- the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project -- is the first of a new generation of satellites that will observe many facets of our changing Earth, collecting critical data to improve our understanding of long-term climate change and short-term weather conditions. With NPP, NASA continues many key data records initiated by the agency's Earth Observing System satellites, monitoring changes occurring in the atmosphere, oceans, vegetation, ice and solid Earth.

The tweetup events Monday will take place on the Air Force Base. The tweetup will provide @NASA Twitter followers the opportunity to tour Vandenberg Air Force Base launch facilities, speak with NASA and NPP mission scientists and managers, interact with each other and NASA's social media team, and, if all goes as scheduled, view the NPP spacecraft launch. For the early-morning rocket launch, Tweetup attendees will have a special viewing section that will include a pre-launch concert by "Mobility" from the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West.

Vandenberg Air Force Base is headquarters for the 30th Space Wing, which manages space and missile testing for the Department of Defense and places satellites into polar orbit from the West Coast using expendable boosters.

What is a tweetup?
A tweetup is an informal meeting of people who use the social messaging medium Twitter. This tweetup is an opportunity for those who follow @NASA to learn more about the agency and its Earth science missions, learn about Vandenberg Air Force Base, and experience a launch.

How do I register?
Registration will open on this page at 12 p.m. EDT (9 a.m. PDT) on Tuesday, Sept. 13 and close at 5 p.m. EDT (2 p.m. PDT) on Thursday, Sept. 15. NASA will accommodate 25 participants randomly selected from those who sign up. Additional registrants will be placed on a waiting list.

Registration is for one person only (you) and is non-transferable.

Do I need to have a Twitter account to register?
Yes. This event is designed for active Twitter users who follow @NASA, @NASATweetup and other NASA Twitter accounts. The goal of NASA tweetups is to allow people who regularly interact with each other via Twitter to meet in person and discuss one of their favorite subjects: NASA. If you are not familiar with Twitter nor a regular user of Twitter and just want to see a spacecraft launch, NASA offers other ways to experience a launch.

You can view the NPP launch at the Vandenberg Air Force Base without taking part in the NPP tweetup. Learn more at:
http://www.vandenberg.af.mil/questions/topic.asp?id=745

The Twitter account for the tweetup is @NASATweetup, and the hashtag is #NASATweetup. We'll use both to post updates and reminders about the event. Follow the NPP mission via @NASANPP.

What are the registration requirements?
Registration indicates your intent to travel to Vandenberg Air Force Base, near Lompoc, Calif., and attend the event in person. You are responsible for your own expenses for travel, accommodation, food and other amenities.

Vandenberg is a government facility. Those who are selected will need to complete an additional registration step to receive clearance to enter the secure areas on the Air Force Base. To be admitted, you will need to show two government-issued identifications (one with a photo) that match the name provided on the registration. Those without proper identification cannot be admitted. All registrants must be at least 18 years old.

Can I register if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Because this NASA tweetup takes place on an Air Force Base with restricted areas, registration is limited to U.S. citizens. If you have a green card, you will be processed as a U.S. citizen. Those who are selected will need to complete an additional registration step to receive clearance to enter the secure areas at Vandenberg. To be admitted, you will need to show two government-issued identifications (one with a photo) that match the name provided on the registration. Those without proper identification cannot be admitted. All registrants must be at least 18 years old.

Does my registration include a guest?
Because of space limitations, you may not bring a guest. Each registration provides a place for one person only (you) and is non-transferrable. Each individual wishing to attend must register separately.

If I have been to a tweetup before, can I register to attend this one?
Remember what an awesome experience it was attend a tweetup? In addition to watching the spacecraft lift off, you were part of an incredible group, and it is tempting to recreate that experience. We’re not surprised you want to go to another one at different location. A goal of this NASA tweetup is to provide an opportunity to experience a tweetup for those who have never had the chance. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to allow someone new the opportunity to enjoy this amazing event.

Can I see the launch if I’m not selected for the tweetup?
There is a public viewing site for all spacecraft launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base and, it provides such a good view that it is where the NASA tweetup attendees will be viewing the launch. You can find out more details at:
http://www.vandenberg.af.mil/questions/topic.asp?id=745

What if I cannot come to California?
If you cannot come to California to attend in person, you should not register for the tweetup. You can follow the tweetup conversation using the #NASATweetup hashtag. NASA may broadcast a portion of the program on the morning of Oct. 24 via NASA TV and Ustream. NASA will provide regular launch and mission updates on @NASA and @NASANPP.

If you cannot make this tweetup, don’t despair; NASA is planning others in the near future at various locations. Check out http://www.nasa.gov/tweetup for updates.

When will I know if I am selected?
After NASA has received and processed the registrations, an email with confirmation information and additional instructions will be sent to those selected and those on the waitlist. We expect to send selection notifications by email on Monday, Sept. 26.

What if the spacecraft’s launch date changes?
If the launch date changes prior to Oct. 10, NASA may change the date of the tweetup to match the new target launch date. NASA will notify registrants by email. If the launch is postponed, tweetup attendees will be invited to attend the launch at the public viewing site. Tweetup attendees are responsible for any additional costs they incur related to any launch delay.

Does registration for and/or attendance at the tweetup qualify me for media accreditation?
Your NPP tweetup registration and/or attendance does not qualify you for news media credentials for NASA or at Vandenberg Air Force Base, now or in the future.

Have a question not answered here? Need more information? Help is available by sending an email to [email protected].

For more information about the NPP mission, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/npp
and
http://npp.gsfc.nasa.gov/

Come back to register between 12 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, Sept. 13 and 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15.

[jacqmans]

Spacecraft: NPP (NPOESS Preparatory Project)
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7920
Launch Site:  Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
Launch Pad:  Space Launch Complex 2
Launch Date:  Oct. 25, 2011
Launch Window: 2:48:01 a.m. - 2:57:11 a.m. PDT (9 min., 10 sec.)
Orbital Altitude:  512 miles

At Vandenberg Air Force Base, the NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP)
spacecraft has completed the Spacecraft Limited Performance Test. A
Spacecraft Launch Simulation also has been completed. Instrument
testing now is under way, and propulsion system testing also is
occurring this week.

With the successful launch of GRAIL at Cape Canaveral, United Launch
Alliance team members will be returning to Vandenberg to resume
testing of the Delta II for the NPP mission at NASA's Space Launch
Complex 2.

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.

[robertross]

not much, but it's a pic 

[jacqmans]

Spacecraft: NPP (NPOESS Preparatory Project)
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7920
Launch Site:  Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
Launch Pad:  Space Launch Complex 2
Launch Date:  Oct. 25, 2011
Launch Window: 2:48:01 a.m. - 2:57:11 a.m. PDT
Orbital Altitude:  512 miles

At Vandenberg Air Force Base, instrument inspection and cleaning of
the NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) spacecraft are under way and
preparations for fueling the spacecraft have started. Loading of the
hydrazine propellant currently is planned for Sept. 23. The NPP
spacecraft will be transported to the launch pad for attachment to
the Delta II rocket on Oct. 7.

United Launch Alliance team members have returned to Vandenberg from
the GRAIL launch at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., and have
resumed testing of the Delta II rocket at NASA' s Space Launch
Complex 2. Pneumatic system testing is under way on the first and
second stages with control system testing scheduled for next week.
This will be followed by loading of the first stage with liquid
oxygen for a leak check on Sept. 29. It also will serve as a crew
certification for the countdown on launch day, Oct. 25.

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.

[robertross]

[jacqmans]

STATUS REPORT: ELV-093011

EXPENDABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE STATUS REPORT

Spacecraft: NPP (NPOESS Preparatory Project)
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7920
Launch Site:  Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
Launch Pad:  Space Launch Complex 2
Launch Date:  Oct. 25, 2011
Launch Window: 2:48:01 a.m. - 2:57:11 a.m. PDT
Orbital Altitude:  512 miles

At Vandenberg Air Force Base, instrument inspection and cleaning of
the NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) spacecraft have been completed.
NPP spacecraft fuel loading of the hydrazine propellant was completed
on Sept. 22, and propellant tank pressurization was completed on
Sept. 24. Electrical Ground Support Equipment was delivered on Sept.
26 and preparations are under way for a validation test, which
currently is scheduled for Oct. 4 - 5. The NPP spacecraft will be
transported to the launch pad for attachment to the Delta II rocket
on Oct. 7.

United Launch Alliance team members have resumed testing of the Delta
II rocket at NASA's Space Launch Complex 2. Pneumatic system testing
on the first and second stages and control system testing was
completed Sept. 28. The first stage liquid oxygen leak check and
certification is scheduled to be completed today. This also will
serve as a crew certification for the countdown on launch day, Oct.
25.

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.

[AnalogMan]

Looks like this launch has been delayed to October 27.

http://msdb.gsfc.nasa.gov/launches.php

[jacqmans]

STATUS REPORT: ELV-100411

EXPENDABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE STATUS REPORT

Mission: NPP (NPOESS Preparatory Project)
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7920
Launch Site: Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
Launch Pad: Space Launch Complex 2
Launch Date: Oct. 27, 2011
Launch Window: 2:48:01 â?" 2:57:11 a.m. PDT
Orbital Altitude: 512 miles

The launch of the NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) spacecraft aboard a
United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket is rescheduled to Oct. 27.

Two items have resulted in additional work to be performed on the NPP
launch vehicle and this has resulted in the 2-day delay in the launch
date. During systems testing, a hydraulic system leak was detected
and the cause was found to be a small crack in a hydraulic tube. A
replacement tube was manufactured, installed, and retested. All other
similar tubes have been inspected and confirmed to be free of any
defects.

Also, a flexible fabric collar connecting two engine system exhaust
ducts was found to be damaged following pressurized leak testing. The
damaged fabric collar is being removed and replaced.

Once these tasks are complete, standard launch processing tests will
resume on Oct. 6. The NPP spacecraft will be transported to the
launch pad for attachment to the Delta II rocket on Oct. 12.

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 NASAâ?Ts Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the
forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key
technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions.

[jacqmans]

MEDIA ADVISORY: M11-208

NASA ANNOUNCES NEWS BRIEFING ON NEXT EARTH SCIENCE LAUNCH

WASHINGTON -- NASA will hold a news briefing on Wednesday, Oct. 12, at
1 p.m. EDT, on the agency's next Earth-observing satellite mission,
the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite
System Preparatory Project (NPP), scheduled to launch on Oct. 27 from
Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.

NPP is the first of a new generation of satellites that will observe
many facets of our changing Earth. The mission will collect critical
data to improve our understanding of long-term climate change and
short-term weather conditions. With NPP, NASA continues many key data
records of Earth's atmosphere, oceans, vegetation, and ice initiated
by the agency's Earth Observing System satellites.

The panelists are:
- Andrew Carson, NPP program executive, NASA Headquarters
- Ken Schwer, NPP project manager, Goddard Space Flight Center,
Greenbelt, Md.
- Dr. Jim Gleason, NPP project scientist, Goddard Space Flight Center
- Dr. Louis Uccellini, director, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's National Centers for Environmental Prediction, Camp
Springs, Md.

The briefing will be held in the James E. Webb Auditorium at NASA
Headquarters, 300 E St. SW, Washington. Reporters unable to attend in
person may ask questions from participating NASA centers or by
telephone. To participate by phone, reporters must contact Dwayne
Brown at 202-358-1726 or [email protected] by 9 a.m. on Oct.
12.

The news conference will air live on NASA Television and the agency's
website. For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and scheduling
information, visit:


http://www.nasa.gov/ntv


For more information about the NPP mission, visit:


http://www.nasa.gov/npp

[jimvela]

People that are interested should be watching the VAFB video feeds at

http://countdown.ksc.nasa.gov/elv 

Today the team put NPP in the can, one more step in the march to the pad.

GO NPP!!

[jacqmans]

RELEASE: 11-345

NASA READIES NEW TYPE OF EARTH-OBSERVING SATELLITE FOR LAUNCH

WASHINGTON -- NASA is planning an Oct. 27 launch of the first
Earth-observing satellite to measure both global climate changes and
key weather variables.

The National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System
Preparatory Project (NPP) is the first mission designed to collect
critical data to improve weather forecasts in the short-term and
increase our understanding of long-term climate change. NPP continues
observations of Earth from space that NASA has pioneered for more
than 40 years.

NPP's five science instruments, including four new state-of-the-art
sensors, will provide scientists with data to extend more than 30 key
long-term datasets. These records, which range from the ozone layer
and land cover to atmospheric temperatures and ice cover, are
critical for global change science.

"NPP's observations of a wide range of interconnected Earth properties
and processes will give us the big picture of how our planet
changes," said Jim Gleason, NPP project scientist at NASA's Goddard
Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. "That will help us improve our
computer models that predict future environmental conditions. Better
predictions will let us make better decisions, whether it is as
simple as taking an umbrella to work today or as complex as
responding to a changing climate."

NPP serves as a bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System of
satellites and the planned Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), which
will collect climate and weather data. JPSS will be developed by NASA
for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
NOAA meteorologists will incorporate NPP data into their weather
prediction models to produce forecasts and warnings that will help
emergency responders anticipate, monitor and react to many types of
natural disasters.

"The timing of the NPP launch could hardly be more appropriate," said
Louis W. Uccellini, director of NOAA's National Centers for
Environmental Prediction in Camp Springs, Md. "With the many billion
dollar weather disasters in 2011, NPP data is critical for accurate
weather forecasts into the future."

A Delta II rocket will carry NPP into an orbit 512 miles above Earth's
surface. Roughly the size of a mini-van, the spacecraft will orbit
Earth's poles about 14 times a day. It will transmit data once each
orbit to a ground station in Svalbard, Norway, and to direct
broadcast receivers around the world.

NPP is set to launch from Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air
Force Base in California on Oct. 27. The launch window extends from
5:48 a.m. to 5:57 a.m. EDT. The launch recently was delayed two days
due to the repair of the Delta II's hydraulic system. The NPP
spacecraft is scheduled to be transported to the launch pad for
attachment to the Delta II on Oct. 12.

NPP's Delta II launch vehicle also will carry several auxiliary
payloads into orbit, which together comprise NASA's third Educational
Launch of Nanosatellite, or ELaNa, mission. This mission will put
five small research payloads, or CubeSats, into orbit: two for the
University of Michigan; and one each for Auburn University, Montana
State University and Utah State University.

Goddard manages the NPP mission for the Earth Science Division of the
Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The
JPSS program is providing the ground system for NPP. NOAA will
provide operational support for the mission. Launch management is the
responsibility of the NASA Launch Services Program at the Kennedy
Space Center in Florida.

For more information about NPP, visit:


http://www.nasa.gov/npp

[robertross]

The empty spacecraft ground carrier