Introduction to the GeoXO Sounder

In late 2023, NASA and NOAA awarded the development contract for the Geostationary and Extended Observations (GeoXO) Sounder (GXS). This instrument adds new capability to NOAA’s geostationary constellation that will improve numerical weather prediction (NWP) by providing hyperspectral sounding observations to enhance nowcasting and short-term forecasting of severe weather while also contributing to longer-term weather prediction.

Preliminary GXS design details are provided with a discussion of how the legacy GOES-R ABI Imager architecture is leveraged to enable a low-risk path to a geostationary sounder. An overview of development plans and a review of primary capabilities is provided, including spectral characteristics, a review of potential collection modes enabled by the instrument’s flexible scan system, and an overview of both onboard and ground processing of science data.