NOAA DEACTIVATES GOES-8 AFTER 10 YEARS OF SERVICE May 3, 2004  It tracked some of the most memorable tropical cyclones on recordâ€â€ÂÂÂfrom the famous parade of storms in 1995, when five tropical cyclones were active in the Atlantic at the same timeâ€â€ÂÂÂincluding the deadly
Satellite Tracked Memorable Storms, Aided Forecasters
“GOES-8 has served America well as our eye above the storm,” said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “During the 10 years GOES-8 was operational, our tropical and severe weather forecasts improved. That was key to saving lives in the face of potentially deadly conditions.”
The first satellite in the next series of GOES spacecraft (GOES-N, -O, -P) is set for launch in December 2004, and will possess more capabilities. For example, the satellites will use star trackers, instead of Earth sensors, for altitude control, resulting in more accurate images. “With the help of our partners, NOAA is creating better satellites that will provide better data to improve our understandingâ€â€ÂÂÂand predictionâ€â€ÂÂÂof climate and weather,” said Gregory W. Withee, assistant administrator of the NOAA Satellites and Information Service.
According to retired Air Force Brig. Gen. David L. Johnson, director of the NOAA National Weather Service, GOES spacecraft are critical components in the highly integrated weather, water and climate observation system.
“GOES-8 has provided volumes of data to validate and enhance ground, ocean and atmospheric-based climate, weather and water informationâ€â€ÂÂÂdata critical to supporting our primary mission of saving lives and protecting property,” Johnson said.
He added, “GOES-8’s successors will provide the NWS with even more valuable data to improve not only the accuracy of our forecasts but also our ability to provide holistic analysis of our Earth’s environment.”
An even more advanced version of GOES, the GOES-R series, will be the focus of a week-long conference in Broomfield, Colo., May 10 -13. The first launch is planned for 2012 and will scan the Earth nearly five times faster than the current GOES system, and provide about 50 times the amount of data currently available.
The NOAA Satellites and Information Service is the nation’s primary source of space-based meteorological and climate data. It operates America’s environmental satellites, which are used for weather and ocean observation, forecasting and climate monitoring.
The NOAA National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. The NOAA Weather Service operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy.
NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of the nation’s coastal and marine resources. NOAA is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.