GOES - 4th Generation Satellite

The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) are operated by NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the U.S. Department of Commerce. Orbiting the Earth’s equator at a speed matching the planet’s rotation, these satellites hover over the same area, which allows them to continuously monitor weather and atmospheric conditions.

Four satellites are currently available in orbit for operational use. GOES-13 watches the eastern hemisphere of our planet, GOES-15 the western, and GOES-12 the southern. GOES-14 provides backup or replacement if another satellite is damaged.

The fourth generation of GOES satellites will be led by GOES-R, which is scheduled for launch in 2016. In the coming years, GOES-S, T, and U will continue the GOES mission through 2036.

GOES satellites are first given a letter designation. Once they reach final orbit, they are renamed with a number.