Polar satellite launched

NASA is set to launch the new National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite.

“The NOAA-N satellite is key to establishing a strong Global Earth Observation System of Systems, because it will strengthen our understanding about what the environment around the world is doing, not just here in the U.S.,” said Gregory Withee, assistant administrator for NOAA’s Satellite and Information Service.

As it orbits the globe, NOAA-N will collect data about the Earth’s surface and atmosphere that are input for NOAA’s long-range climate and seasonal outlooks, says a NASA news release.

NOAA-N also has instruments used in the international Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking System, called COSPAS-SARSAT, which was established in 1982.

NOAA polar-orbiting satellites detect emergency beacon distress signals and relay their location to ground stations, so rescue can be dispatched.