Ball Aerospace said Dec. 6 it completed the integration of the engineering models for three of the instruments scheduled to fly on the National Polar-orbiting Operational Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project (NPP) spacecraft.

The models will test and verify mechanical and electrical interfaces between the instruments and the spacecraft before installation of the advanced technology microwave sounder, the cross-track infrared sounder and the ozone mapping and profiler suite is completed in 2006.

NPP, the mission precursor for NPOESS, will provide data continuity between the NASA’s Terra and Aqua spacecraft and NPOESS, as well as provide technical risk reduction for NPOESS.