Cryosat | Jason-2 | (AltiKa) | NPOESS | Sentinel 3

4.3.4. NPOESS

(Credits NOAA, DoD, Eumetsat)

Satellite	NPOESS
Launch	TBD (2012?)
Mission	observe the atmosphere, oceans, landmasses and the space environment
Altitude	km
Inclination	°

NPOESS (National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System) is a constellation of satellites decided upon by several US government agencies in partnership with Eumetsat, to observe the atmosphere, oceans, landmasses and the Space environment. NPOESS will comprise three polar-orbiting satellites carrying 10 to 12 sensors, including an altimeter. These sensors will be a rich source of data for global monitoring, weather forecasting and long-term climate prediction. The first satellite is scheduled for launch in 2008; the first one carrying an altimeter is planned for 2012.

Further information on:

NPOESS - National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NOAA)
National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) (Ball Aerospace)
NPP (NPOESS Preparatory Project) (NASA/GSFC)