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Boulder, CO - Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. has successfully completed integration of the Ozone Mapping Profiler Suite (OMPS) for the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project (NPP).

The OMPS Flight Model 1 instrument was the first developmental instrument delivered for spacecraft integration, and the third instrument integrated to the Ball Aerospace-built NPP spacecraft. The Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System instrument, and the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder were integrated in 2008. The fourth and fifth instruments, the Cross-track Infrared Sounder and the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite, are scheduled for delivery in 2009. Once all five instruments are delivered, Ball will begin full systems integration and test to put the system on its final path to launch, scheduled for 2010.

OMPS is designed to provide higher fidelity monitoring of ozone from space. OMPS is comprised of two sensors, a nadir sensor and limb sensor. Measurements from the nadir sensor are used to generate total column ozone measurements, while measurements from the limb sensor generate ozone profiles of the along-track limb scattered solar radiance.

"Developmental instruments are always a challenge which made it all the more rewarding that our program team was able to successfully deliver OMPS," said Cary Ludtke, vice president and general manager for Ball's civil and operational space business unit. "We anticipate additional significant milestones for NPP in 2009."

NPOESS is the nation's next generation low-Earth orbiting operational environmental system for civilian and military applications. NPP is a joint effort between the NPOESS Integrated Program Office and NASA. Ball Aerospace is part of the NPOESS team led by prime contractor Northrop Grumman Corp.

SOURCE: Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.