TRW to build weather system

TRW Inc. of Cleveland won a $4.5 billion contract to build the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System, the United States' next-generation meteorological satellite system.

The new system will merge U.S. weather polar-orbiting satellite programs into a single national program, providing increased capability at a reduced cost, according to TRW. The system, which will include two new satellites and related systems, will provide timely and accurate weather and climate information for civil, military and scientific purposes, including long-range forecasts.

The initial contract is worth $2.9 billion and expires in 2012. With contract extensions, it is potentially worth $4.5 billion through 2019. TRW was selected over Lockheed Martin Corp., Bethesda, Md., according to market research firm Input Inc. of Chantilly, Va.