[Satellite Today 03-25-09] NASA’s NOAA-19 spacecraft, built by Lockheed Martin and launched in February, completed a 45-day on-orbit verification period, the manufacturer announced March 23.
    The satellite, formerly called NOAA-N and designated NOAA-19 when it reached orbit, is the final spacecraft in NASA’s Television and Infrared Observational Satellite series — all designed by Lockheed Martin since the launch of the series’ first spacecraft in 1960.
    NOAA-19 carries two search and rescue instruments, a search and rescue repeater and processor, used internationally for locating ships, aircraft, and people in distress.
    NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, located in Greenbelt, Md., was responsible for the procurement, development, launch services, and verification of the spacecraft, instruments, and ground equipment. Following spacecraft launch, Goddard was responsible for satellite health and safety the 45-day on-orbit verification period.