Subcategories

• GEOSTATIONARY OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITES

  GEOSTATIONARY OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITES

  The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite Program (GOES) is a joint effort of NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

   Currently, the GOES system consists of GOES-12 operating as GOES-East in the eastern part of the constellation at 75° west longitude, and GOES-10 operating as GOES-West at 135° west longitude. These spacecraft help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, fog, flash floods, and other severe weather. In addition, GOES observations have proven helpful in monitoring dust storms, volcanic eruptions, and forest fires.

  The benefits that directly enhance the quality of human life and protection of Earth's environment include:

  • Supports the search and rescue satellite aided system (SARSAT)
    
    
  • Contributes to the development of worldwide environmental warning services and enhancements of basic environmental services
    
    
  • Improves the capability for forecasting and providing real-time warning of solar disturbances
    
    
  • Provides data that may be used to extend knowledge and understanding of the atmosphere and its processes

  GOES - NO/P is the next series of GOES satellites. GOES-N, the first spacecraft in the new GOES-N/O/P series, was launched on May 24, 2006 aboard a Boeing Delta IV Rocket.
  
  The GOES R Series, which is currently in the formulation phase, will follow GOES - NO/P. The first launch is scheduled for the 2012 timeframe.
  

• NOAA POLAR-ORBITING SATELLITES

  NOAA POLAR-ORBITING SATELLITES

  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have jointly developed a valuable series of polar-orbiting Earth environmental observation satellites since 1978. These satellites provide global data to NOAA's short and long-range weather forecasting systems. NOAA's polar-orbiting operational environmental satellite system consists of two primary in orbit satellites. Operating as a pair, these satellites ensure that environmental data, for any region of the Earth, is no more than six hours old. These polar-orbiting satellites have not only provided cost-effective data for very immediate and real-time needs but also for extensive climate and research programs. The satellite data (including images often seen on television news programs) provide global information to all of the major weather forecasting agencies throughout the world, and direct-read-out data to thousands of individual users.