GOES-R series

GOES-R series. The GOES-R series is a collection of geostationary weather satellites operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and National Weather Service (NWS). These satellites are designed to provide advanced weather forecasting capabilities, including hurricane tracking and severe weather monitoring, to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other emergency management agencies. The GOES-R series is a significant improvement over the previous GOES series, with enhanced imaging and sounding capabilities, similar to those of the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) Meteosat Third Generation.

Introduction

The GOES-R series is a four-satellite constellation, consisting of GOES-16, GOES-17, GOES-18, and GOES-19, which will provide continuous weather monitoring and forecasting services over the Western Hemisphere. The development of the GOES-R series involved collaboration between NOAA, NASA, and several private sector companies, including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman. The program is managed by the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and the NOAA National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS). The GOES-R series is also supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

Spacecraft Design

The GOES-R series spacecraft are designed to operate in geostationary orbit (GEO) at an altitude of approximately 35,786 kilometers (22,236 miles) above the Equator. Each spacecraft has a mass of around 5,200 kilograms (11,464 pounds) and is equipped with two solar panels and a lithium-ion battery to provide power. The spacecraft are built on the A2100A platform, which is a modular and flexible design developed by Lockheed Martin. The platform is also used by other satellites, such as the Intelsat and SES satellites. The GOES-R series spacecraft are launched on the Atlas V rocket, which is provided by the United Launch Alliance (ULA).

Instruments and Capabilities

The GOES-R series satellites are equipped with several advanced instruments, including the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI), which provides high-resolution imaging of the Earth's surface and atmosphere. The ABI is similar to the Meteosat Third Generation Flexible Combined Imager (FCI) and the Himawari 8 Advanced Himawari Imager (AHI). The satellites also carry the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM), which detects lightning activity and provides early warnings for severe thunderstorms. Additionally, the satellites are equipped with the Space Environment In-Situ Suite (SEISS), which monitors space weather conditions, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections, similar to the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR). The GOES-R series satellites also carry the Magnetometer and the Solar Ultraviolet Imager (SUVI).

Launch and Deployment

The first satellite in the GOES-R series, GOES-16, was launched on November 19, 2016, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on an Atlas V rocket. The second satellite, GOES-17, was launched on March 1, 2018, and the third satellite, GOES-18, is scheduled for launch in 2022. The satellites are deployed in a geostationary orbit and undergo a series of orbit raising maneuvers to reach their final position. The deployment of the GOES-R series satellites is supported by the NASA Kennedy Space Center and the US Air Force 45th Space Wing.

Operational History

The GOES-R series satellites have been operational since 2017, providing critical weather forecasting and monitoring services to the United States and other countries in the Western Hemisphere. The satellites have been used to track hurricanes, such as Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, and to monitor severe weather events, such as tornadoes and blizzards. The GOES-R series satellites have also been used to support emergency management efforts, such as the response to the 2017 Mexico earthquake and the 2018 Hawaii volcano eruption. The operational history of the GOES-R series is managed by the NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Mission Objectives and Impact

The primary objective of the GOES-R series is to provide advanced weather forecasting and monitoring capabilities to support public safety and economic development. The satellites are designed to improve the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasts, particularly for high-impact weather events such as hurricanes and tornadoes. The GOES-R series has also been used to support climate research and space weather monitoring, in collaboration with the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The impact of the GOES-R series has been significant, with improved weather forecasting and monitoring services supporting emergency management efforts and economic development in the United States and other countries. The GOES-R series has also contributed to the development of global weather forecasting systems, such as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Global Forecast System (GFS). Category:Weather satellites