While working with Aerospace to develop the NPP architecture documentation, NASA realized the Science Data Segment presented novel challenges in terms of ground system design and implementation. NASA asked Aerospace to suggest possible approaches for the Science Data Segment in early 2001. Based on initial architecture definition and requirements, Aerospace recommended an emerging technology known as grid computing (see sidebar, Grid Computing: An Overview). Because of the relative lack of maturity of this approach, Aerospace also recommended the development of a prototype implementation that would allow NASA to investigate key features as it moved to procure the full operational Science Data Segment. This prototype implementation was named the Advanced Data Grid.
FY 2010 budget no longer requires DoD to fund half of NPOESS. Assuming DoD follows through with disengaging from NPOESS, this is actually a ~$200M cut to the program. I would agree that the program was poorly managed at the start, but the program office has substantially increased its oversight of the program. It is no longer awarding fees to the contractor for poor performance and they are bringing in staff such as myself to help oversee the build, test, and calibration of sensors.
NASA/GSFC intends to issue an increase-in-scope to contract NAS5-30384 with ITT Space Systems Corporation for the acquisition of an Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) integrated system. The AVHRR integrated system consists of one six channel imaging AVHRR instrument and one optional interface unit to the NPOESS C1 spacecraft. The AVHRR shall be integrated to, tested, and launched on the NPOESS C1 mission.