NASA has successfully launched the first in a series of highly advanced weather satellites on Sunday, that will lead to more accurate and timely forecasts, watches and warnings.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R (GOES-R) lifted off from Florida in the US.
“The launch of GOES-R represents a major step forward in terms of our ability to provide more timely and accurate information that is critical for life-saving weather forecasts and warnings,” said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington.
After it reaches its final designated orbit in the next two weeks, GOES-R will be renamed GOES-16. The new satellite will become operational within a year, after undergoing a checkout and validation of its six new instruments, including the first operational lightning mapper in geostationary orbit. “The next generation of weather satellites is finally here. GOES-R will strengthen NOAA’s ability to issue life-saving forecasts and warnings and make the US an even stronger, more resilient weather-ready nation,” said NOAA Administrator Kathryn Sullivan.