GOES-R MANAGEMENT CONTROL PLAN (MCP)

APPENDIX D: GOES HISTORY
Over the past four decades, environmental stewardship agencies have stated a need for near continuous,
timely, high quality observations of the Earth and its environment. As an example, for rapidly changing
severe storms (such as hurricanes and storms that produce flash floods, tornadoes or hail), frequent
observations of weather phenomena that produce and guide such storms are essential to provide adequate
tracking and warning.
The successful development and operation of the spin scan cloud camera on ATS-1 and of a similar
camera on ATS-3 (launched in 1967) led to the decision to proceed with an operational system for
meteorology. NASA developed the new spacecraft system and built two prototypes, called Synchronous
Meteorological Satellites, SMS-1 and SMS-2. They were launched in May 1974 and February 1975.
Three identical versions funded by NOAA, GOES-1, -2, and -3, were launched in October 1975, June
1977, and June 1978. The primary sensor on all five satellites was the Visible Infrared Spin Scan
Radiometer (VISSR).
GOES-4-7 introduced an improved VISSR, the VISSR Atmospheric Sounder (VAS), which gathered the
standard VISSR image data and also took measurements of the atmosphere, enabling meteorologists to
acquire temperature and moisture data profiles. GOES-7, launched in 1987, was the last spinner-type
geosynchronous satellite. It inaugurated the use of geosynchronous satellites for international search and
rescue efforts.
Five satellites, GOES-I through GOES-M, were ordered in the GOES-I series. The design of the GOES-I
series represented a major step forward from previous GOES satellites due to the use of separate imagers
and sounders with much higher temporal and spatial resolution, more channels and more precise
measurements. The GOES I-M satellites incorporate the use of a 3-axis stabilized spacecraft bus allowing
continuous observations.
Three additional satellites, GOES-N, -O, and -P (designated the GOES-N series), have been procured
subsequent to the GOES-I series. While operating essentially the same set of instruments, the major
difference between the GOES-I series and GOES-N series is in the area of navigation and the inclusion of
the Solar X-Ray Imager on all satellites (versus only the GOES-M satellite on the previous series). The
GOES-I series uses an earth reference system while GOES-N series employs a stellar inertial system.
The GOES-R series of satellites is the newest generation of NOAA’s geosynchronous environmental
satellites. The GOES-R series represents another major step in providing remotely sensed environmental
data. In addition to temporal and spatial improvements, GOES-R instrumentation will provide significant
advances in the quality and quantity of remotely sensed environmental data.
GOES-R Series ERA
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