KSC-2011-7167

BALL AEROSPACE, Boulder, Colo. – In a cleanroom at Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corp., technicians inspect NASA's National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project NPP satellite following electromagnetic compatibility testing. 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