NOAA’s Plans for Future Geostationary Satellite Observations

Abstract:

With orbital operations well underway for NOAA’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites – R Series (GOES-R) satellites, attention is now turning to planning the next generation systems. Building on the NOAA Satellite Observing Systems Architecture (NSOSA) study, NOAA is now moving toward the formulation phase for the Geostationary and Extended Orbits (GEO-XO) program, so named because it is envisioned to employ sensors and spacecraft in geostationary orbit and potentially also in the highly-elliptical “tundra” orbit. The program is expected to continue the set of Earth observations made by GOES-R; also in consideration are new instruments such as a hyperspectral sounder, ocean color imager, atmospheric composition sensor, and low-light imager. New space architecture options such as small satellites, rideshare, hosting, and commercial partnerships for data and services are being evaluated for the program, along with the more traditional government-owned and operated spacecraft model. The GEO-XO operational phase is planned for the 2030-2050 timeframe.

This presentation will discuss the ongoing GEO-XO pre-formulation studies and user needs assessments. It will cover the preliminary GEO-XO program scope, architecture and options, and timeline, along with the plans for program formulation, slated to begin in 2021.