Dear X-Air and WeatherCat seekers of space-based trivia . . . .
I think it's NOAA that is upgrading the satellites, NASA just provides the rides.
It isn't like it really matters but supposedly the satellites are operated in a
"partnership" between NOAA and NASA. I do hope government agencies can get along in situations like this, but one can never be too sure.
As mentioned, there is only one more Atlas available. I assume that means of the originals.
Again mostly trivial pursuits, but the launch vehicle in this case was actually a Delta II. It is a venerable design that dates all the back to about 1960!
ULA has re-built some using Russian (RD-180 rocket motors).
This is where there is a point worth pursuing perhaps. The story behind the Russian RD-180 rocket motor is fascinating and if you have Netflix streaming there is a neat documentary on the development of that motor:
https://www.netflix.com/title/80119093Anyone interested in the space program and how rocket engines works will really enjoy it.
Cheers, Edouard