The consensus EPS estimate has moved lower over the past two months according to FactSet, from 42 cents at the end of February to 41 cents March 28 and 40 cents by Tuesday.

FORBES: Intel Maintains Forecast Despite 'Market Softness'

Instead of one satellite carrying every instrument, EPS-SG is likely to split the complement across two separate platforms.

BBC: Weather satellites and the gathering storm

Its strengths include EPS growth of 115% and 93% over the past two quarters, bolstered by revenue gains of 41% and 61%.

FORBES: NetLogic, Altera Among Chippers Riding High With Intel

American Express and Honeywell, two major Dow components, posted earnings after the bell on Wednesday, both of them beating consensus EPS estimates on rising revenues pointing to a continued, albeit sometimes slow, economic recovery.

FORBES: American Express' Rising Costs Spook Investors As Honeywell Impresses