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The geostationary satellite experiment began in 1966 with the launch of the first satellite of the Applications Technology Satellite (ATS) series. ATS-1, launched on December 7, 1966, carried an instrument capable of providing continuous images of the earth, and an instrument that enabled the transmission of data to and from ground stations.
Six ATS satellites were launched between 1966 and 1974. In 1967, ATS-3 was launched and provided the first color image of the entire Earth. After the success of the meteorological experiments performed aboard these satellites, the investigation of geostationary satellites became an official, operational program.
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The ATS was followed by the Synchronous Meteorological Satellite (SMS), the first series of geosynchronous weather satellites. SMS-1 was launched from Cape Canaveral, FL on May 17, 1974. It was the first operational satellite capable of detecting meteorological conditions from a fixed location. SMS-1 carried a Visible Infrared Spin Scan Radiometer (VISSR), a Space Environment Monitor (SEM), and a Data Collection System (DCS). The satellite continuously monitored broad areas of the Earth, obtained both day and night data, and collected and relayed data from over 10,000 central ground stations.
After the successful launch of two experimental SMS satellites, SMS-1 and SMS-2, the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) program formally began in 1975 as a joint effort of NOAA and NASA. |
Synchronous Meteorological Satellite
(SMS)
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On October 16, 1975, the first satellite under the GOES program was launched from Cape Canaveral, FL. GOES-A was renamed GOES-I once it reached orbit. GOES-2 and GOES-3 followed in 1977 and 1978. GOES-1 through GOES-3 were almost identical to the design of the SMS satellites, spin stabilized and carrying the VISSR, SEM, and DCS.
Visible Infrared Spin Scan Radiometer (VISSR) Atmospheric Sounder (VAS)
flown aboard GOES 4-7
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GOES 4-7 were designed similar to the first three GOES satellites. GOES-4 was launched on September 9, 1980. It was the first satellite to carry the Visible Infrared Spin Scan Radiometer (VISSR) Atmospheric Sounder (VAS), enabling the measurement of temperature and moisture. The data derived from this instrument enabled scientists to determine the altitudes and temperatures of clouds and draw a three-dimensional picture of their distribution in the atmosphere, leading to more accurate weather predictions.
On May 3, 1986, GOES-G, was lost when its launch vehicle was struck by lightning shortly after lift-off. GOES-G, which would have been GOES-7, was designed to replace GOES-4.
GOES-7 was launched on April 28, 1987. This satellite was the first GOES satellite capable of detecting 406 MHz distress signals from |
emergency beacons carried aboard aircraft and vessels and sending them to ground stations. This was the last of the spin stabilized geosynchronous satellites.
The launch of GOES-8 on April 13, 1994 introduced a new generation of spacecraft, the GOES I-M series. The three-axis, body-stabilized design provided significant improvements. The Imager and the Sounder were separate instruments and operated independently, which enabled the satellites to continuously obtain both imaging and sounding data instead of alternating between the two operating modes. The satellites were also capable of capturing higher resolution images. Starting with GOES-8, the GOES search and rescue system became operational.
On July 23, 2001, GOES-12 (GOES-M), the last satellite of the GOES I-M series, was launched from Cape Canaveral, FL. It was the first satellite to carry a Solar X-Ray Imager (SXI) type instrument. |
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