[Satellite TODAY 01-22-13] Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. has cleared the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS-1) spacecraft in its final major design review. The success indicates the spacecraft’s development is on track for its scheduled launch during the first quarter of 2017.

   With the presence of NASA and NOAA, Ball Aerospace conducted a four-day delta Critical Design Review (dCDR) on the JPSS-1, in December 2012. The success of the review means that the spacecraft can now proceed into implementation.

   The JPSS-1 will follow the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (Suomi NPP) satellite to provide critical environmental data and maintain continuity of weather and environmental observations.