The GOES-R will help to improve weather forecasts

The GOES-R satellite was launched November 19, 2016 at 6:42 PM. The satellite came at a hefty cost of $1.2 billion, but will greatly improve today’s weather forecasting. This is the most advanced weather satellite to date, standing out from any of the current active geostationary satellites.

This satellite is capable of producing higher resolution images that are four times more clear than the satellites currently in use. It can do more than just take pictures. Instruments aboard can collect data like wind speed, rainfall rate, snow cover, lighting, and more. The higher quality data will help meteorologists produce more detailed and accurate forecasts.

Another huge benefit of this satellite is the rate at which information is received. Currently satellites can receive information once every 30 minutes. With the GOES-R, the satellite is capable of receiving information once every 30 seconds. With the frequent updates, meteorologists will be better equipped to forecast for severe weather. This will help forecasters save and protect lives that are impacted by extreme weather events.

In 2018, the GOES-S satellite will be launched, providing even more advancements to weather forecasting.