Program: NPOESS

National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System, restructured into JPSS and DWSS in 2010.


Program to be launched in 2013. Is the follow-on of the DMSP and NOAA programs. This unique program is designed to save $300 million. it will consist of 2 satellites.

In Dec 1999 TRW and Raytheon together with Lockheed Martin were awarded a program definition contract. The study should be finished in 2002 and a first satellite should be launched in 2008. TRW expects to provide the satellite and Raytheon the ground segment.

In Nov 2000 Raytheon was awarded a $152.8 million contract for the imaging sensor instruments. 3 units are ordered, with 5 possible options. In Jul 2001 BSS was awarded a $130.8 million contract for 2 Conical Microwave Imager Sounder (CMIS) instruments, with options for 4 more units.

In May 2002, Ball Aerospace was awarded a contract the provide the bus for the NPP (NPOESS Preparatory Project) based on the BCP-2000 bus. Contract worth $94 million. NPP is a joint mission of NASA and NOAA. NASA will pay for the spacecraft and the launch vehicle and an advanced sensor. The satellite will have 5 years lifetime in a 824-km sun-synchronous orbit. Should also carry some EOS payload. To be launched in 2006.

In Aug 2002, TRW got the prime contractor contract for $6.5 billion. It includes the ground control systel and a data processing and dissemination network, 6 satellites with the launches. The initial contract ($2.9 billion) includes 2 satellites. ITT will provide its Cross Track Infrared Sounder (CrIS). Raytheon will provide the VIIRS.

In Jan 2004, the program is announced to be 2 years late.

In Nov 2005, GAO revealed the program would have a $9.7 billlion cost instead of the $6.5 billion planned.

In Jun 2006, the program was restructed to control cost. Only 2 satellites are ordered (instead of 6) and only 2 orbits will be used. A Boeing-built sensor was also removed.

In Mar 2009, the critical design audit of the space segment was completed.

In Feb 2010, the program is once more restructured to split the tasks and procurement. NOAA and NASA will take primary responsibility for the afternoon orbit, and DOD will take primary responsibility for the morning orbit. Renamed JPSS (Joint Polar Satellite System) for the civilian part, DWSS (Defense Weather Satellite System) for the military part.

There is an option for JPSS 3 (for 2024 worth $130 million) and JPSS 4 (for 2028 worth $87 million)

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External resources

http://www.fas.org/spp/military/program/met/npoess.htm

http://jointmission.gsfc.nasa.gov/
http://www.ipo.noaa.gov/
Lookup sat-index archive

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