NASA plans to launch the GOES-N weather and environmental monitoring satellite no earlier than August 15, 2005. This first in a new generation of satellites offers meteorologists and geophysicists increased capabilities, including a digital weather information service, a dedicated emergency communication channel, high imager resolution, and a more stable observing platform.
"GOES" is an acronym for "Geostationary Operational Environment Satellite". GOES satellites observe the Earth from geostationary orbit, from which they appear to hover over a specific spot on the Earth. Even from this distance about 22,300 statute miles above the Earth, the imager aboard GOES-N will have a resolution as high as 1 kilometer per pixel.
In addition to weather imaging and sounding instruments, the spacecraft will also carry a suite of detectors to study the environment in space around the Earth.
GOES-N, weighing about 7,000 pounds, will be launched by a Delta IV rocket in its Medium-Plus configuration.
Source consulted: NASA.gov.
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