NASA and SpaceX successfully launch GOES-U, the final satellite in a €10 billion upgrade to the US weather forecasting system. This new satellite will provide real-time data on hurricanes and other severe weather events across the Western Hemisphere.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has taken a major leap forward in weather observation with the successful launch of GOES-U, the final satellite in its GOES-R series. Launched on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, GOES-U will join its predecessors in providing vital, real-time data on weather conditions across the Western Hemisphere.
This €10 billion upgrade represents a significant investment in the nation's forecasting infrastructure. GOES-U boasts several advanced features that will significantly improve hurricane tracking and severe weather monitoring:
Continuous, Real-Time Coverage: GOES-U will provide uninterrupted data on weather patterns and environmental threats, including hurricanes, across much of North and South America.
Enhanced Hurricane Tracking: The satellite's sophisticated instruments, like the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI), will capture storm images every 30 seconds, enabling forecasters to issue timely and accurate warnings.
Advanced Lightning Detection: The Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) will track lightning activity within storms, providing crucial insights into their development and intensity.
Volcanic Ash Monitoring: The ABI can also monitor volcanic eruptions and track ash plumes, safeguarding aircraft from potential hazards.
Space Weather Observation: GOES-U will monitor solar activity, keeping an eye out for solar flares and other events that can disrupt communications and power grids.
Benefits for Public Safety
GOES-U's advanced capabilities will significantly enhance public safety by:
Enabling faster and more accurate hurricane warnings, allowing for better preparation and evacuation efforts.
Providing real-time data on severe weather events like tornadoes, allowing for timely warnings and protective measures.
Helping researchers understand the relationship between lightning and storm development, leading to more accurate forecasts.
Looking Ahead
GOES-U marks the culmination of the GOES-R series. However, NOAA is already developing even more advanced satellites for the future, ensuring continued advancements in weather forecasting and public safety.
Additional Information:
GOES-U is the fourth and final satellite in the GOES-R series, each one costing roughly €467 million.
The GOES-R series represents a significant upgrade from previous GOES satellites, offering enhanced resolution,faster imaging, and improved observational capabilities.
The data collected by GOES satellites is crucial not only for weather forecasting but also for various other applications, such as aviation safety, agriculture, and disaster management.
Source: Euronews
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