New Weather Satellite Delayed

By: Meteorologist Ray Hawthorne Email

Posted: Tue 1:35 PM, Jan 29, 2008

Earth scientists may have to wait longer for a new type of satellite sensor that is expected to improve weather and climate monitoring.

Administrators at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are extremely disappointed with Massachusetts-based contractor Raytheon on the system's progress because of several technical glitches. The new satellite is part of a program that will combine satellite operations of the Defense Department and NOAA. It is currently scheduled to launch in 2013 with the first spacecraft. The satellite is designed to last nearly twice as long on orbit as the current satellites.

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