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Projects

NPOESS has initiated projects to systematically reduce the risk on the program. The Office has initiated planning and development programs of concept demonstrations, satellite transition (NPOESS Preparatory Project) and sensor development. The following projects help provide a higher degree of confidence in the new technology.

NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP)

NPP is a joint IPO/NASA instrument risk reduction project. The NPP mission is to provide advanced technology for atmospheric sounding, giving continuing observations about global change after EOS-AM (Terra) and EOS-PM (Aqua). NPP focuses on the following sensors:

• Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS)
• Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS)
• Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS)
• Visible/Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS)
• Cloud and Earth Radiant Energy System (CERES)

NPOESS Aircraft Sounder Testbed (NAST)

NAST creates an environment in which NPOESS instruments can be tested under conditions that simulate the space environment. NAST will be used to simulate possible satellite-based measurements useful in experimental validation of different instrument system specifications and data processing techniques for future advanced atmospheric remote sensors.

Ocean Surface Wind Speed & Direction (WINDSAT)

WindSat is a joint IPO/DoD risk reduction project to demonstrate the application of the concept of polarimetric radiometry to measure ocean surface wind speed and wind direction. The Coriolis/WINDSAT Weather Satellite was successfully launched at 6:19 a.m. on January 6, 2003.