NASA | NPP: Why another Earth observing satellite?

The video discusses the importance of launching new Earth observing satellites like NPP to replace aging instruments and improve data accuracy. NPP will collect critical data on Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and land to understand climate change. It will test instruments for future weather satellites and provide data for weather forecasting and climate observation. The interconnectedness of Earth's systems is highlighted, and NPP's dual goals of weather monitoring and climate observing are emphasized.

Why is there a need to launch the NPP satellite?

• To establish communication with extraterrestrial life

• To monitor the health of astronauts in space

• To explore new planets in the solar system

• To replace and improve old instruments for better observations

What is the primary function of the largest instrument on the NPP satellite?

• To track energy reflecting from clouds and surfaces

• To measure atmospheric temperatures and moisture

• To monitor changes in the ozone layer

• To observe broad swaths of land, oceans, and air

How do the instruments on NPP contribute to weather forecasting?

• By analyzing ocean currents

• By monitoring extraterrestrial weather patterns

• By focusing on atmospheric temperatures and moisture profiles

• By predicting volcanic eruptions

What are the two main goals of the NPP satellite?

• To establish a new space station

• To deliver data for weather forecasting and enhance climate data records

• To explore Mars and Venus

• To develop new communication technologies

What makes the NPP satellite unique in its approach?

• It focuses solely on monitoring ocean currents

• It is the first satellite to orbit the sun

• It is designed to communicate with deep space probes

• It combines weather monitoring and climate observing on the same platform