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    • Program Description

    The National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) will converge existing polar-orbiting satellite systems under a single national program. Polar-orbiting satellites observe Earth from space. They collect and disseminate data on Earth's weather, atmosphere, oceans, land, and near-space environment. The polar orbiters are able to monitor the entire planet and provide data for long-range weather and climate forecasts. The program is managed by the tri-agency Integrated Program Office (IPO) utilizing personnel from the Department of Commerce, Department of Defense and  NASA. The current NPOESS mandate extends to the year 2018.

    The National Polar-orbiting Operational Satellite System (NPOESS) increases the timeliness and accuracy of severe weather event forecasts.

    To achieve its mission NPOESS has undertaken a far-reaching program of sensor development and satellite transition and evolution to provide complete coverage of meteorological conditions for civil, military, and scientific purposes.

    To reduce NPOESS development risk and to provide a bridging mission for the NASA Earth Observing System (EOS), IPO is working with NASA on the development of the NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP).

    Related Links

    Initial Joint Polar-Orbiting Operational Satellite System (IJPS)
    National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS)
    NOAA Environmental Visualization Program

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    Last revised: 05/24/2006  

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