Missoulian: National News Earth-observing satellite boosted into orbit
NASA: Officials Hail NPP Satellite Launch
“NASA and NOAA officials congratulated each other this morning following the successful launch of the NPP spacecraft aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Ken Schwer, NPP Project Manager, led off a news conference this morning about three hours after liftoff. He will be part of the team who will get the spacecraft checked out during the next several weeks so it can begin its Earth observing mission.”
NOAA: NPP: Improving U.S. weather forecast accuracy from space
“The satellite, NASA's NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP), orbits Earth every 102 minutes, flying 512 miles above the surface, and capturing data from the Earth's land, oceans, and atmosphere. The data is used by NOAA forecasters to detect the potential for dangerous weather conditions days – even several weeks – in advance. For example, data from polar-orbiting satellites helped NOAA meteorologists predict, 5 days in advance, the major snowstorms that struck the Atlantic Coast in February 2010 ("Snowmageddon") and paralyzed New York City in December 2010. ”
Bozeman Daily Chronicle: Feds tighten belt by cutting agriculture reports
National Agricultural Statistics Service: NASS Reduces Agricultural Estimation Programs
“The decision to eliminate or reduce these reports was not made lightly, but it was nevertheless necessary, given the funding situation. Because of the timing of the agency’s survey work during the coming year, these decisions are necessary now.”
Helena Independent Record: Lawmakers seek waiver for border lands
H.R.1505 -- National Security and Federal Lands Protection Act
