OCX, the NASA/NOAA GeoXO Hyperspectral Geostationary Ocean Color Sensor

BAE Space and Missions Systems (formerly Ball Aerospace) has been selected by NASA to build OCX, the hyperspectral ocean color sensor for NOAA’s next generation geostationary extended observation constellation GeoXO. The OCX sensor will provide high spatial resolution, moderate spectral resolution, high radiometric sensitivity and calibration accuracy data at an unprecedented area collection rate to enable significant advancements in Ocean Color science and the economic and societal benefits related to operational geostationary ocean color observations. This presentation will address architectural trade studies, enabling technologies, concept of operations (CONOPS), and calibration and characterization plans related to the fielding of this new benchmark in geostationary ocean color instrumentation. In addition to OCX, BAE was selected to build the other two hyperspectral elements within GeoXO: GXS, the infrared sounder, and ACX, the Atmospheric Composition instrument. Synergies across the three efforts and the associated cost, schedule, and technical benefits will be discussed.