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The GOES-R is the first of four satellites which will make up the GOES RSTU constellation. Eight years in the making, the new generation of satellites is set to revolutionise weather forecasting. The spacecraft, operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), represents a huge technological leap. GOES-R will transmit more data in its first six months of operations than all the previous GOES weather satellites combined, and images will be captured at four times the previous resolution.

Stephen Volz, assistant administrator for NOAA's Satellite and Information Service, describes the change as being “like going from black and white television to super high definition TV.”

Sharper and more frequent imaging will allow the NOAA to predict and track extreme weather events across the Western Hemisphere with greater accuracy and precision. Advance warning of a growing hurricane threat can make a life-saving difference. In addition to earth weather forecasting, the geostationary satellite’s data will also be used for space weather monitoring and meteorological research.

Once GOES-R enters orbit 35,888 km above the equator, it will undergo 11 months of testing before starting operations. We at Thales are delighted that our space Traveling Wave Tubes continue to be the trusted choice for satellites and spacecraft.