What Follows GOES-R?

With orbital operations well underway for NOAA’s newest satellites, the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) – R Series and the Joint Polar Satellite Series (JPSS), attention is turning to planning for the next generation systems. Building on the NOAA Satellite Observing Systems Architecture (NSOSA) study, which examined a wide range of space sensor and platform options, NOAA is now moving toward the formulation phase for the programs that will follow GOES-R and JPSS. In the geostationary domain, NOAA is planning for the Geostationary and Extended Orbits (GEO-XO) program, so named because it is envisioned to employ sensors and spacecraft in geostationary orbit and also in Sun-Earth Lagrange point orbits as successors to the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) and Space Weather Follow-On (SWFO) missions. GEO-XO may also include missions in highly-elliptical geosynchronous orbits designed to provide persistent polar region observation. The program is expected to continue the set of observations made by GOES-R and SWFO; also in consideration are new instruments such as a hyperspectral sounder and low-light imager. New space architecture options such as small satellites, rideshare, hosting, and commercial partnerships for data and services are being evaluated for the program, along with the more traditional government-owned spacecraft model. The GEO-XO operational phase is planned for the 2030-2050 timeframe.

This presentation will discuss the current state of GEO-XO pre-formulation studies and the plans for formulation, which will begin in 2021. The preliminary GEO-XO program scope, structure, requirements, and timeline will be covered, as will plans for stakeholder engagement and industry involvement.