New GOES-R Satellite will revolutionize weather

After a brief hiccup in the launch plans thanks to Hurricane Matthew, the GOES-R Satellite was officially launched into space Saturday, November 19. The satellite is the most advanced satellite and weather technology in space. The GOES-R is the first of four satellites being built to replace the aging United States Weather Satellite System. Within two weeks, the satellite is expected to be in its designated spot 22,000 miles above the earth.

So what does this mean for you the viewer at home?

– Meteorologist across the nation and right here at home will have access to data that will bring better imagery. This means that current satellite images will go from black and white to high definition.

– During severe weather, the GOES-R will track storms and lightning in more clarity and detail than ever before. This new tool will allow forecasters to issue warning sooner, in return keeping more people safe.

-Not only will it detect storms here at home, but storms in space as well. The GOES-R will be equipped with detection equipment that will keep its eye on the sun and give us an early warning sign of a solar storm. This will allow the US to take the necessary precautions to stay safe.

– The GOES-R is equipped with so much new technology that even emergency situations can be detected, as the GOES-R will be able to detect emergency distress signals from emergency beacons and relay it to the Coast Guard or Air Force.

The satellite is expected to be operational within the next year, after undergoing numerous tests of its instruments. This is only just the beginning of a major upgrade to weather technology, as the next satellite launches December 12 and will primarily focus on improved hurricane forecasting.