The next generation GOES instruments: status and potential impact

In January, 1999, the National Weather Service (NWS) completed the "Operational Requirements Document (ORD) for the Evolution of Future NOAA Operational Geostationary Satellites" The requirements specified in this document will provide the foundation for the design of a new imager and sounder for the next generation Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) in the 2010 - 2015 time frame. The next generation GOES will provide for operations through eclipse periods, 8 to 12 imager channels with improved spatial resolution, 5- minute interval imager coverage of the Continental U.S., 15-minute interval full disk coverage, improved sounder spatial coverage, improved sounder horizontal resolution, and sounder vertical resolution approaching radiosonde quality for both moisture and temperature detection. This paper will provide: 1) a summary of the NWS requirements; 2) a description of potential instrument designs to meet the NWS requirements; 3) a proposed schedule for the development and launch readiness of the new instruments; and 4) potential user benefits from the new sensor capabilities. It will also provide a summary of the "Initial GOES R+ Users Workshop: Plans, Status, and Requirements Update" to be held in Boulder, CO in September, 2000. One major goal of the workshop is to ensure that the next generation GOES will meet the needs of a wide spectrum of satellite data users.