Next-generation weather satellite ready for Oct. 25 launch

Ball Aerospace workers have successfully completed two months of subjecting the next-generation U.S. weather satellite to the rigors of launch and space. The car-size orbiter — called NPP, for the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project — is set for an Oct. 25 launch. The NPP — a collaboration of NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Department of Defense and private contractors such as Ball — will continue what experts call the critical monitoring of weather, atmosphere, oceans, land and near-space environment. More

(Source: Denver Post - May 19)