Next-generation Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R series): a space segment overview

Abstract

The next-generation National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R series) is currently being developed by NOAA in partnership with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The GOES-R series satellites represents a significant improvement in spatial, temporal, and spectral observations (several orders of magnitude) over the capabilities of the currently operational GOES-I/M series and GOES-N series satellite to be launched at the end of 2004. The GOES-R series will incorporate technically advanced "third-generation" instruments and spacecraft enhancements to meet evolving observational requirements of forecasting for the era 2012-2025. The GOES-R instrument complement being developed includes an Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI), a Hyperspectral Environmental Suite (HES), a GEO Lightning Mapper (GLM), a Solar Imaging Suite (SIS) and a Space Environment In-Situ Suite (SEISS). Also, candidates for a number of GOES-R Pre-Planned Product Improvements (P3Is) includes a Geo Microwave Sounder, a Coronagraph, a Hyperspectral Imager, and a Solar Irradiance Sensor. Currently, the GOES-R space segment architecture is being evaluated as part of a GOES-R system End-to-End Architecture Study. The GOES-R notional baseline architecture is a constellation of two satellites (A-sat and B-sat) each nominally located at 75 degrees West longitude and at 135 degrees West longitude at geostationary altitude, 0 degrees inclination. The primary mission of the A-sat is to provide imaging from the ABI. The A-sat will also contain the SIS and the GLM. The primary mission of the B-sat is to provide sounding of the hemispherical disk of the earth from the HES. The B-sat also contains the SEISS. Both satellites have mesoscale capabilities for severe weather sounding or imaging. This paper overviews the GOES-R Space Segment development including satellite constellation trade-off, improvements and differences between the current and future instrument and spacecraft capabilities, and technology infusion.