The National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) that is set to launch in 2013 will once again contain the Total Solar Irradiance Sensor (TSIS) to measure the total amount of solar energy coming into the Earth’s atmosphere – a key to measuring climate change. A NOAA release indicates that the sensor was in jeopardy because of cost overruns of the satellite project.

“We need these sensors to help us better differentiate between the natural and human causes of climate change, and monitor the long-term energy shifts tied to climate change,” said retired Navy Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., Ph.D, undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator.

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