Well, it seems the last five instruments have been integrated onto the NPP satellite. NPP is the NPOESS Prepatory Project. The first of what was going to be 5 satellites, then 4, now?

  1. CrIS: The Cross-track Infrared Sounder
  2. ATMS: Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder
  3. VIRS: Fisible/Infrared Imager/Radiometer Suite
  4. OMPS: Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite
  5. CERES: Cloads and Earth Radiant Energy System

So, now if they can keep from smoking anything the plan is to launch in October 2011.

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