The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) Program is a joint effort by NASA and the Department of Commerce to provide continuous cloud-cover observations. Governed by a NASA-Commerce agreement, dated July 2, 1973, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is responsible for establishing the requirements for and operating the system, and NASA is responsible for developing the spacecraft and associated ground stations, for launching the spacecraft, and for ensuring the successful operation of the spacecraft. The program consists of two operational prototype spacecraft (SMS-1 and 2), now in orbit, and follow-on operational spacecraft being funded by NOAA. The NOAA-funded spacecraft are designated Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES). The GOES-1 and GOES-2 spacecraft are operating successfully in orbit. Altogether, three GOES spacecraft have been procured by NASA for NOAA and additional follow-on spacecraft are planned. As provided for in the NASA-Commerce agreement, NASA is conducting an R&D program to develop improved sensors and techniques for the operational program. This program includes development of advanced radiometers and atmospheric sounders, improved spacecraft subsystems, etc.
Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-C) Mission Operation Report
1978
34 pages
Report
No indication
English
Unmanned Spacecraft , Manned Spacecraft , Common Carrier & Satellite , Meteorological Data Collection, Analysis, & Weather , Goes 3 , Cloud cover , Mission planning , Spacecraft design , Nasa space programs , Ground stations , Prototypes , Radiometers , Research and development , Sms 1 , Sms 2 , Delta launch vehicle