The NOAA-K satellite will improve weather forecasting and monitor environmental events around the world. NOAA-K is the first in a series of five polar-orbiting satellites with improved imaging and sounding capabilities that will operate over the next twelve years. Like other NOAA satellites, NOAA-K will collect meteorological data and transmit the information to users around the world to enhance weather forecasting. In the United States, the data will be used primarily by NOAA's National Weather Service for its long-range weather and climate forecasts. The satellite will continue the support of the international COSPAS-SARSAT system by providing search and rescue capabilities essential for detection and location of ships, aircraft, and people in distress.

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. is responsible for the construction, integration, launch and verification testing of the spacecraft, instruments and unique ground equipment. NASA turns operational control of the spacecraft over to NOAA after a comprehensive on-orbit verification period, which is expected to last approximately 60 days. The spacecraft was built by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space Co., Sunnyvale, Calif., under contract to Goddard.

Data from the NOAA spacecraft are used by researchers within NASA's Earth Science Enterprise, a long-term research program designed to study Earth's land, oceans, atmosphere, ice and life as a total integrated system. In addition these data are helping NASA scientists design instruments for follow-on missions.

NASA TV

Launch coverage on NASA Television will begin at 8:30 a.m. PDT (11:30 a.m. EDT) and continue through separation from the Titan II vehicle. Live NOAA-K launch commentary will be available on the "V" audio circuits which may be dialed at 407-867-1220, 1240 or 1260. NASA Television is on GE-2, Transponder 9C located at 85 degrees West longitude.