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Science

The NPOESS satellite will carry sensors to obtain precise atmosphere and surface measurements to support the operational user and the science communities. The first launch, the NPOESS Preparatory Project, will carry five state-of-the art sensors to observe the oceans, land cover, snow and ice cover, and the atmosphere. Many of these sensors trace their science legacy to the NASA Earth Observing System. Check back here often as we update this site with information on the sensors, the science of the algorithms used to interpret the raw sensor measurements, and our calibration and validation efforts.