<title>EOS AM-1: launch-9 months</title>

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EOS AM-1 is the first element of NASA's Earth observing system (EOS). EOS, the centerpiece to Mission to Planet Earth (MTPE), will provide long-term well-calibrated satellite observations to determine the extent, causes, and regional consequences of global climate change. EOS AM-1 will obtain information about the physical and radiative properties of clouds; air-land and air-sea exchanges of energy, carbon, and atmosphere; and volcanology. It carries five advanced instruments: advanced spaceborne thermal emission and reflection radiometer (ASTER) provided by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry of Japan, clouds and Earth's radiant energy system (CERES) provided by NASA's Langley Research Center, multi-angle imaging spectroradiometer (MISR) provided by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) provided by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, and measurements of pollution in the troposphere (MOPITT) provided by the Canadian Space Agency. The project is currently in its D (development) phase and is scheduled for a June 1998 launch. All flight model instruments have been delivered and integrated with the spacecraft. The process of functional, compatibility, comprehensive performance, and environmental testing at the spacecraft-level is currently underway. During the next six months, this will be completed and the spacecraft will be prepared for shipment to the launch site. Results of these activities and the current development status are discussed. The EOS AM-1 project is managed by Goddard Space Flight Center.