GOES-R weather satellites

From Yenra

On December 2, 2008, NASA announced that it selected Lockheed Martin to build the next-generation Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite R-Series, known as GOES-R, for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The basic contract is for two spacecraft. Two options each provide for one additional spacecraft. The total estimated value of the basic contract including options is $1.09 billion.

Data from the GOES system provides accurate real-time weather forecast and early warning products to the public and private sectors. The GOES-R mission will improve forecasting quality and timeliness generating significant economic benefits to the nation in the areas of climate monitoring, ecosystems management, commerce and transportation.

Lockheed Martin's GOES-R solution builds upon the renowned A2100 geosynchronous spacecraft bus and proven precision imaging capabilities from previous remote sensing programs. The A2100 satellite fleet currently consists of 36 satellites and has achieved an accumulated 200 years of successful in- orbit operations.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company has a long history of developing highly reliable civil and military weather and environmental satellite systems including Landsat, TIROS, Terra and DMSP.

The Lockheed Martin GOES-R program office will be located at its Space Systems Company facilities in Newtown, Pennsylvania, also using its resources in Denver, Colorado and Sunnyvale, California.