GeoXO aims to expand and improve upon observations from NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites-R series (GOES-R). The new constellation is scheduled for launch in the early 2030s, to succeed GOES-R and continue operations through 2055.
The OCX instrument, developed by BAE Systems, is a hyperspectral imager designed to provide high-spatial resolution observations of the Great Lakes and the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), covering about 4 million square feet of ocean extending 200 miles off American coasts.
The instrument will capture data across a spectrum of ultraviolet to near-infrared light, offering the most comprehensive data on water quality, ocean biology, chemistry, and ecosystem changes in the region. OCX will deliver more frequent observations than previous instruments, conducting complete surveys every two hours to minimize issues like cloud cover and allow for monitoring of rapidly changing conditions.
"OCX offers exciting new capabilities that will provide NOAA and other end users with novel insights into the dynamics of our aquatic ecosystems, allowing us to better monitor endangered species, track oil spills and harmful algal blooms, and protect key economic drivers like reef systems and fisheries," said Dr. Alberto Conti, vice president and general manager of Civil Space for BAE Systems Space and Mission Systems.
"This selection reinforces our commitment to advancing scientific endeavors that directly contribute to safeguarding public health and promoting environmental sustainability. The GeoXO instruments will provide decision-makers with invaluable data for informed policy formulation and proactive measures to address pressing global challenges, and BAE Systems takes great pride in our pivotal role in this mission."
Alongside OCX, BAE Systems is developing GXS and ACX instruments for the GeoXO mission. GXS will supply real-time data on the vertical distribution of atmospheric moisture, winds, and temperature, improving weather prediction models and short-term severe weather forecasting. ACX will provide hourly, daytime air quality measurements, enhancing air quality forecasts and characterizing emissions such as aerosol particles, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, glyoxal, sulfur dioxide, and ozone.
GeoXO operations are slated to start in the early 2030s and continue through 2055.
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