The ground system for the national polar-orbiting operational environmental satellite system (NPOESS) preparatory project (NPP) has been readied for operations.

The NPOESS Interface Data Processor was officially handed over to the Northrop Grumman operations and support integrated product team by Raytheon Company Northrop Grumman and the NPOESS Integrated Program Office.

The NPOESS will relay weather and climate information to serve defence and civil applications.

The ground segments will provide satellite command and control, mission planning, communications and environmental sensor data processing.

The interface data processor for NPP will be operated and supported by Northrop Grumman, the prime contractor for the project.

The complete ground system includes segments at Norway, the NOAA satellite operations facility, the Air Force Weather Agency, White Sands Complex, and Raytheon’s ground integration and support facility.