GOES-R Satellite will revolutionize weather forecasting

Typically, October in Mid-Missouri can bring a round of severe weather as we usually see a brief uptick in tornadoes. Lately, the weather has been unusually warm and rain has been limited. When severe weather strikes, Mid-Missourians rely on an experienced team of meteorologists to keep them safe, but we can only do so much with the data we have and our forecasting experience. Coming next month, the latest advancements in technology will revolutionize the way meteorologists forecast, with the launch of a new satellite.

Satellites that are currently in orbit are becoming obsolete and with the launch of a new satellite called GOES-R, it will revolutionize weather and the way we look at it. GOES-R is a state of the art, high powered satellite and has been described as trading in your black and white TV for a ultra HD one. It will provide 5 times more coverage than current satellites in orbit provide.

GOES-R was developed through an $11 billion dollar program and will replace the older satellites that have seen continuous upgrades since the 1970s. GOES-R is set to provide 34 meteorology, solar, and space products, with the single largest upgrade ever to weather forecasting.

Once in orbit it will change the way meteorologists look at weather. NOAA’S National Weather Service Director Louis W. Uccellini said, “The National Weather Service will have unprecedented new capabilities that will allow for a wide range of forecast improvements.”

This means that for millions of Americans, your local meteorologists will have access to more information that will keep you safe. Through the help of local NWS offices, there will be better lead times on tornadoes, enhanced imagery, and data that will be available significantly faster than we currently see. In addition, the satellite which will be home to over 34 sensors, will have room for future upgrades that will keep us ahead of the curve when it comes to weather and keep people safer than past generations.

GOES-R was originally set to launch on November 4, but it was delayed due to Hurricane Matthew. The launch has now been set to November 14, at 4:42 PM Eastern Time. The 11,500 lb satellite (at launch) will eventually sit nearly 22,500 miles above the earth’s surface and will provide the next generation in forecasting.

GOES-R is just one of 4 satellites that is set to be launched that will ensure weather forecasting through December 2036.