Since 1975, NOAA’s geostationary weather satellites (GOES) have provided continuous imagery and data on atmospheric conditions and solar activity (space weather), contributing to the safety of life on Earth and in space. These satellites are essential for enabling experts to make the split-second decisions required to save lives and property. They are also critical to the country’s economy and national security.

The GOES series of satellites provides vital meteorological information for weather forecasting, severe storm tracking and meteorological research. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) owns the satellites, while the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) designs, builds and launches them into geostationary orbit.

Each GOES satellite covers approximately one third of the Earth. GOES-East monitors North and South America and most of the Atlantic Ocean, while GOES-West covers North America and most of the Pacific Ocean. Each GOES satellite has two primary instruments: the imager and the sounder. The GOES imagers are used to acquire the visible, infrared and near-infrared data. The GOES sounders measure the velocity of the atmosphere, sea surface wind and ice, and provide other critical environmental information.

GOES images and soundings are transmitted to the NOAA Regional Operation Centers, where they are processed and disseminated. This data is analyzed and displayed in maps and charts to help the public understand the science behind the images and sounds, and to aid forecasters in making the best possible forecasts.

In addition, GOES imagery is provided to local emergency managers through the EMWIN system. EMWIN uses a teleport facility and nine-meter dishes to transmit the data from the GOES satellites. The data is then available to users through the Internet, telephone and radio.

GOES imagery is also provided to NOAA’s Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers, which are instrumental in monitoring volcanic activity and associated ash plumes, and alerting the aviation community of the potential dangers. The improved temporal cadence of GOES imagery will enable the centers to provide much more timely and accurate information.

The GOES-R Series is the next generation of geostationary weather satellites for NOAA, which began service in 2015. The four GOES-R satellites are able to provide faster and more detailed information about atmospheric conditions, solar activity and even space weather.

Each GOES-R satellite is equipped with the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) which has three times more spectral channels, four times more resolution and five times faster scanning than previous generations of GOES satellites. It is also equipped with the Extreme Ultraviolet and X-ray Irradiance Sensor (EXIS), which can detect and track flares that could disrupt communications and affect high altitude airplanes and power grids on Earth.

NOAA manages the GOES-R program through an integrated NOAA-NASA office. NOAA provides funding and requirements, NASA manages the design, procurement and development of the spacecraft and its instruments, and once in orbit, NOAA operates and provides the services to the user community.