GOES-R – NOAA's Newest Operational Satellite System at GEO

NOAA space weather operations are critically dependent on the data provided by NOAA’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) system.  NOAA’s Space Weather Scales for Solar Radiation Storms and for Radio Blackouts rely exclusively on the use of GOES data to issue alerts and warnings.  GOES-R represents the latest in this satellite series which, to date, has spanned more than three solar cycles and is scheduled to operate through 2036.  GOES-R will continually monitor the sun and near-earth space environment using a complement of improved sensors that are described in detail within other AMS sessions.  This talk will provide the operational rationale for the GOES-R space weather sensors from both an historical perspective and current need.  In particular, we will describe how the GOES measurements have monitored extreme space weather conditions and how the improved capabilities for GOES-R can enhance our understanding of space weather.

NOAA space weather operations are critically dependent on the data provided by NOAA’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) system.  NOAA’s Space Weather Scales for Solar Radiation Storms and for Radio Blackouts rely exclusively on the use of GOES data to issue alerts and warnings.  GOES-R represents the latest in this satellite series which, to date, has spanned more than three solar cycles and is scheduled to operate through 2036.  GOES-R will continually monitor the sun and near-earth space environment using a complement of improved sensors that are described in detailed within other AMS sessions.  This talk will provide the operational rationale for the GOES-R space weather sensors from both an historical perspective and current need.  In particular, we will describe how the GOES measurements have monitored extreme space weather conditions and how the improved capabilities for GOES-R can enhance our understanding of space weather.