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Information and History
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Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites
"The first GOES was launched on Oct. 16, 1975. The early GOES satellites
were spin stabilized and viewed the earth only about ten percent of the
time. These satellites were in operation from 1975 until 1994. From
April 13, 1994, to the present, a new generation of three-axis
stabilized spacecraft (GOES I-M) has been in operation. GOES-8, the
first of the new generation, was launched April 13, 1994. Since then,
GOES-9, GOES-10, and GOES-11 have been launched. This generation of
satellites view the earth 100 percent of the time, taking continuous
images and soundings. GOES satellites provide data for severe storm
evaluation, information on cloud cover, winds, ocean currents, fog
distribution, storm circulation and snow melt, using visual and infrared
imagery. The satellites also receive transmissions from free-floating
balloons, buoys and remote automatic data collection stations around the
world.
GOES satellites are a mainstay of weather forecasting in the United
States. They are the backbone of short-term forecasting or nowcasting.
The real-time weather data gathered by GOES satellites, combined with
data from Doppler radars and automated surface observing systems,
greatly aids weather forecasters in providing warnings of thunderstorms,
winter storms, flash floods, hurricanes, and other severe weather. These
warnings help to save lives and preserve property.
The United States operates two meteorological satellites in
geostationary orbit, one over the East Coast and one over the West Coast
with overlapping coverage over the United States. The GOES satellites
are a critical component of the ongoing National Weather Service
modernization program, aiding forecasters in providing more precise and
timely forecasts. The next GOES satellite (GOES-M) is planned for launch
in July 2001."
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