The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) series provides the continuity for the existing GOES system currently operating over the Western Hemisphere. New and improved instrument technology will support expanded detection of environmental phenomena, resulting in more timely and accurate forecasts and warnings. Advancements over current GOES include a new capability for total lightning detection (cloud and cloud-to-ground flashes) from the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM), improved temporal, spatial, and spectral resolution for the next generation earth viewing Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI). These instruments will aid in forecasting severe storms and tornado activity, convective weather impacts on aviation safety and efficiency among a number of potential products including cloud properties, sea surface temperature, fire hot spots, and volcanic ash. Four additional instruments provide solar imaging and information for space weather forecasts and warnings. Science and application development along with pre-operational product demonstrations and evaluations at NWS forecast offices and NOAA testbeds will prepare the forecasters to use GOES-R as soon as possible after the planned launch and check-out in late 2015.
Steven J. Goodman
Dr. Goodman is the GOES-R Program Chief Scientist and has been with NOAA
NESDIS since 2007. During his 20 year stint as a scientist and manager at
NASA MSFC he also served on the graduate faculty and as an adjunct
professor of atmospheric science at UAH. His research interests include
lightning, precipitation processes, and the nowcasting and short term
forecasting of severe storms. Dr. Goodman received the NASA Medal for
Exceptional Scientific Achievement for his research on Severe Storms and
is a Fellow of the AMS.