The stage has been set for the launch of America's most advanced weather observation satellite known as GOES-R.
Projected to offer a dramatic leap in weather data gathering capability, the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite - R Series will be launched on Nov. 19, Saturday, at the Florida Space Coast at 5:42 p.m Eastern.
The transformational weather satellite is expected to make a big leap in enhancing the speed, accuracy, and frequency of weather forecasting in the western hemisphere.
According to NASA/NOAA sources, the liftoff will be atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The launch window will stay open from 5:42 p.m. to 6:42 p.m.
Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite spacecraft are known for reliable forecasts of weather, with their data providing advance warning that could save lives and property, and foster economic growth.
Flight Readiness Confirmed
Senior NASA officials have given their greenlight to start preparations for the launch after a review of GOES-R at the Kennedy Space Center deemed it ready to take flight.
However, a final "go" decision is expected on Thursday.
Regarding weather conditions, the U.S. Air Force 45th Weather Squadron has predicted an 80 percent chance of favorable weather during the launch period.
Built by Lockheed Martin, GOES-R weighs 6,280 pounds (2,850 kg) with an orbit life of 15 years. The U.S. company has a long history in designing and building weather and environmental spacecraft starting with the TIROS 1 in 1960.
GOES-R carries six instruments classified into three sections.
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• Earth-pointing
• Solar-pointing
• In-situ
The spacecraft's Solar Ultraviolet Imager (SUVI), the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) and the Magnetometer are supplied by Lockheed Martin.
Among these, SUVI will observe the sun in extreme ultraviolet wavelength and deliver full-disk solar images of high resolution and sensitivity.
It can determine increased lightning rates as a predictor of harsh weather and offer better lead times for storm and tornado warnings.
Paradigm Shift in Weather Forecast
According to experts, TV viewers who are accustomed to imagery from GOES-East and GOES-West weather satellites can now expect big time changes as GOES-R becomes operational.
The new satellite will update weather patterns and severe storms every 30 seconds.
The images will be handy in making weather forecasts, weather outlooks, warnings, lightning conditions, and maritime and aviation forecasts.
This will also assist in long-term forecastings, seasonal predictions, and drought outlooks.
The existing GOES system has GOES-13 operating as GOES-East and GOES-15 as GOES-West. According to NASA, the GOES-R series will continue to maintain the 2-satellite system as has been implemented in the current GOES series.
