NOAA science test results from the GOES-14 and -15 imager and sounder

NOAA Science Tests are a critical step in checking out the GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite). This period follows the NASA-led engineering check-out period. Results from both GOES-14 and -15 will be presented. The GOES-14 Science Test started on 30 November 2009 and ended 5 weeks later on 4 January 2010. GOES-15 was launched on 4 March 2010 and is the final spacecraft in the latest series of NOAA geostationary satellites. Early visible and infrared images from GOES-15 will be shown. The GOES-15 Science test is slated to begin 11 August 2010. This includes, but is not limited to: imagery from the Imager and Sounder, preliminary image quality analysis (signal-to-noise ratio, etc.), preliminary product quality analysis (product examples and comparisons to similar products from other satellites), preliminary radiometric calibration accuracy analysis, and special rapid-scan imagery. After the NOAA Science test, the GOES-15 Imager and Sounder will be placed in storage mode.

The next GOES satellite to launch will be the first of the GOES-R series, for which is it hoped that an extended Science Test will take place, to allow sufficient time for not only instrument characterization, but for those involved to test their data ingest and product generation.