The NOAA-N Prime satellite, built for NASA by Lockheed Martin, will improve weather forecasting and monitor environmental events around the world. NOAA-N Prime is the fifth and last in the current series of five polar-orbiting satellites with improved imaging and sounding capabilities.

The satellite will collect meteorological data and transmit the information to NOAA's Satellite and Information Service, which processes the data for input to the National Weather Service for its long-range weather and climate forecasts. Forecasters worldwide also will be able to access the satellite's images and data.

NOAA-N Prime has sensors that will be used in the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking System to monitor for distress signals around the world.

> View NOAA N-Prime introduction video

Launch Preparations Update

The Flight Readiness Review for the Delta II and NOAA-N Prime spacecraft was successfully completed Jan. 29, with a countdown dress rehearsal conducted the following day. There are no issues or concerns to prevent final launch preparations.

One final milestone, the Launch Readiness Review, will be conducted today to assure all is ready to start the launch countdown operations tomorrow afternoon. The NOAA-N Prime polar orbiting weather satellite is enclosed in the Delta II payload fairing and is ready for launch.

The preliminary weather outlook for Feb. 4 has conditions forecast to be generally favorable for launch, but becoming less favorable the following day due to an approaching low pressure system.