Ula - Blog Posts

GOES-R: The Future of Forecasting

What is GOES-R?

The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R Series (GOES-R) is the nation’s next generation of geostationary weather satellites. It is the first of four satellites to be launched for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The GOES-R satellite will provide advanced imaging with increased spatial resolution and faster coverage for more accurate forecasts, real-time mapping of lightning activity and improved monitoring of solar activity. For the first time, GOES-R will be able to monitor the Earth in near real-time.

Once in geostationary orbit (the orbit around the Earth’s equator), it will provide images of weather patterns and severe storms across the continental U.S. as regularly as every five minutes. Images of smaller, more detailed areas, where storm activity is present, will be taken as frequently as every 30 seconds.

These images can be used to aid in formulating regular forecasts, term forecasting, such as seasonal predictions and drought outlooks.

In addition, the satellite will constantly monitor space weather conditions, such as solar flares, to provide advance notice of potential communication and navigation disruptions.

The satellite will also assist researchers in understanding the interactions between land, oceans, the atmosphere and climate.

What will GOES-R Do?

Improve hurricane tracking and intensity forecasts

Increase thunderstorm and tornado warning lead time

Give earlier warning of ground lightning strike hazards

Improve detection of heavy rainfall and flash flooding risks

Improve air quality warnings and alerts

Give better fire detection and intensity estimation

Improve solar flare warnings for communications and navigation disruptions

Give more accurate monitoring of energetic particles responsible for radiation hazards to humans and spacecraft

Improve monitoring of space weather to get better geomagnetic storm forecasting.

The better we can predict what’s coming, the better we can prepare.

Launch Activities!

The GOES-R satellite is targeted for a launch on Saturday, Nov. 19, aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. 

The one-hour launch window opens at 5:42 p.m. EST. Liftoff will occur from our Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Join us leading up to launch by tuning in during the following times:

Thursday, Nov. 17 Prelaunch News Conference - 1 p.m. EST Watch HERE

GOES-R Mission Briefing - 2 p.m. EST Watch HERE

Friday, Nov. 18 GOES-R Social Presentations – 1:30 p.m. EST Watch HERE

Saturday, Nov. 19 NASA Edge Prelaunch Program – 3:45 p.m. EST Watch HERE

Launch Coverage & Commentary – 4:45 p.m. EST Watch HERE

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space: http://nasa.tumblr.com