...for the first two Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites-R series (GOES-R and GOES-S). The next-generation weather satellites are being procured by NASA and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) to provide a platform for Earth, solar and space-viewing instruments. Saft will supply its high-energy VL 48E batteries, which meet the unique capacity and temperature requirements for the GOES-R satellite program. Qualified to endure the rigors of long life operation in space, the batteries are capable of providing power for the satellite’s critical functions throughout its 15-year life span.
The GOES-R series of satellites will gather data for enhanced observations, weather forecasting, ecosystems management and monitoring of changing climatic conditions. Using highly advanced instruments and sensors, the satellites will provide approximately 60 times more weather and environmental data than is available with NOAA’s current fleet of geostationary satellites for more timely and accurate weather forecasts. The first launch is scheduled for 2015.
The NOAA Satellite and Information Service funds, manages, and will operate the GOES-R program. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center oversees the acquisition of the GOES-R spacecraft and instruments for NOAA. Lockheed Martin is designing and will build the spacecraft.