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Quick Facts: Geostationary Operations Environment Satellite R-Series Program (GOES-R)

Mission Introduction

GOES-R Spacecraft

GOES-R observations will result in more timely and accurate weather forecasts, as well as improved detection and observation of meteorological phenomena. (Courtesy NASA)

The Geostationary Operations Environment Satellite R-Series Program (GOES-R) is a key element of NOAA operations. The GOES-R series of satellites will fly improved spacecraft and instrument technologies, for more timely and accurate weather forecasts. The program will improve the detection and observation of meteorological phenomena that directly affect public safety, protection of property, and economic health and development.

LASP Roles

LASP provides:

  • The Extreme ultraviolet/X-ray Irradiance Sensor (EXIS)
  • EXIS Lead Scientist, Frank Eparvier
  • LASP is building three flight models for the mission and parts for a fourth

LASP Instrument

GOES-R EXIS

EXIS consists of an Extreme Ultraviolet Sensor (EUVS), an X-Ray sensor (XRS) and a combined EUVS/XRS electronics box (EXEB) to control subsystems and to do command and data handling interface with the GOES-R spacecraft. (Courtesy LASP)

The EXIS instrument detects solar soft X-ray irradiance (XRS) and solar extreme ultraviolet (EUVS) spectral irradiance. XRS helps predict proton events and monitors solar flares that can disrupt communications and degrade navigational accuracy. EUVS monitors solar variations that directly affect satellite drag/tracking and ionospheric changes, which impact communication and navigation operations. EXIS will provide one of the most important observations for early warning of space weather events.

Quick Facts

Launch date: Beginning in 2015
Launch location: Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Launch vehicle: Atlas V-541
Mission target: Earth orbit
Mission duration: Through December 2027
Other key dates:

  • First flight model delivery: June 2012

Other organizations involved:

  • NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
  • Department of Commerce
  • National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Services
  • Lockheed Martin Space Systems

GOES-RClick on the image to view a PDF (655 KB) of GOES-R FAQs.