NASA picks Orbital ATK for NOAA satellite

DULLES, Va., March 25 (UPI) -- NASA has contracted Orbital ATK to design, produce and integrate up to three Joint Polar Satellite Systems spacecraft for weather forecasting.

The satellites will be operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In addition to weather forecasting the satellites will advance environmental and oceanographic science.

"Orbital ATK is honored to be selected by NASA to produce the United States' next polar-orbiting weather satellites," said Mr. David W. Thompson, Orbital ATK's president and chief executive officer. "The critical data provided by these satellites will allow NOAA to continue its 50-plus year mission to protect lives and property from severe weather events and to enhance economic prosperity across a wide range of industries."

The contract is comprised of a firm order for the first satellite -- JPSS-2 – and carries a value of $253 million. Options for two additional satellites are provided for and would be worth $217 million.

Each of the JPSS satellites has a design life of at least seven years once it is launched into orbit.

The first satellite will be delivered by the company in 2020.

Orbital ATK said its work under the contract includes integrating government-furnished instruments, conducting satellite-level testing, and supporting in-orbit check-out and mission operations.

The JPSS-2 satellite will be delivered in 2020.