[Satellite Today – 5-21-08] The NPOESS Integrated Program Office awarded a contract to the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory to develop the microwave imager/sounder sensor for the next generation of polar-orbiting weather satellites, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced May 21.
    The sensor, intended for the second National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) satellite that will be launched in 2016, will provide improved data and imagery, allowing researchers to develop better weather forecasts and climate change assessments.
    After the completion of the initial design, the NPOESS program office, with support from the Naval Research Laboratory, may select an industry partner for the instrument’s production.