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The GOES Program
The GOES program grew out of the successful use of geostationary weather satellites with the experimental SMS -1 & -2. Like many weather satellites, GOES was developed and launched by NASA, but once operational GOES was turned over to NOAA for day-to-day administration. The provision of timely global weather information, including advance warning of developing storms, is the primary function of the GOES. GOES imagery is commonly featured on many TV weather reports across the United States and the world. The GOES Program maintains 2 satellites operating in conjunction to provide observational coverage of 60% of the Earth. The GOES satellite system has remained an essential cornerstone of weather observations and forecasting for 25 years.
The GOES satellites carried a Space Environment Monitor (SEM) which investigated solar particle emissions and helped study the effect of solar activity on Earth's telecommunications systems. The SEM detected solar protons, alpha particles, solar electrons, solar X-rays, and magnetic fields. In addition to observations, the GOES platform (the satellite stationed over the Pacific Ocean) has been used to create and operate PEACESAT (Pan-Pacific Educational and Cultural Experiments by Satellite). PEACESAT provides satellite telecommunications to serve the educational, economic development, medical and cultural needs of many Pacific island nations and territories.
GOES 1978-1987 |
There is a wealth of information on the Web about
GOES:
GOES Project Science Webpage NOAA GOES Imagery and Products ![]() PEACESAT services include communcation between rural students and universities; exchange of economic information among the Forum Fisheries member agencies; support of regional development activities of the South Pacific Commission; medical, environmental training and emergency communications support. Photo: Two Hurricanes! Madeline and Lester storm Mexico on October 17, 1998 GOES missions 1968 - 1977 1978 - 1987 1988 - 1997 |
NASA
Responsible NASA Official: Sharron Sample |