The GOES R system will replace the current generation of US geostationary environmental satellites (GOES N-Q) beginning circa 2012. This will be a few years after the NPOESS series of polar orbiting satellites becomes operational. Based on new architecture concepts and system designs, the GOES R system will continue to meet the GOES mission goals to:

·Maintain continuous, reliable operational environmental, and storm warning systems to protect life and property ·Monitor the earth’s surface and space environmental and climate conditions ·Introduce improved atmospheric and oceanic observations and data dissemination capabilities ·Develop and provide new and improved applications and products for a wide range of federal agencies, state and local governments, and private users

The GOES R Concept of Operations (CONOPS) document will give an overall picture of how geostationary follow-on operations in the period 2012 – 2020 will address the National Environment Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) mission "to provide and ensure timely access to global environmental data and information services from satellites and other sources to promote, protect, and enhance the Nation’s economy, security, environment, and quality of life." It is a high-level document that provides a discussion on the missions being addressed, a system description (characteristics and capabilities), and a breakdown of operational criteria to include: ·user needs and requirements ·employment/deployment/redeployment of space-based platforms ·ground collection operations ·ingest, data product generation, and product dissemination procedures ·archive, access, and scientific stewardship of environmental data