Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) has completed the first of four antenna-feed upgrades that will provide performance improvements essential to processing the new frequencies and increased volume of meteorological data that will come from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite — R Series (GOES-R).
The new antenna feeds have a frequency distribution switching system that supports both current and new GOES frequency bands, and that handles the increasing amount of information to be received and processed; a monitoring and control system; and a test equipment suite.

The four 9.1-meter antennas undergoing the upgrade are located at NOAA’s Satellite and Operations Facility in Suitland, Maryland. The first upgraded antenna already has been brought on line with the current GOES satellite system.

“We have worked closely with NOAA and our industry partners to bring the new antenna online nearly two years prior to launch,” said Romy Olaisen, vice president, Civil Programs, Harris Government Communications Systems.

Harris is the prime contractor and systems integrator for the GOES-R Antenna Segment contract. GOES-R will enable more accurate weather forecasts by supplying meteorological data to NOAA with much greater detail — and significantly faster — than the current GOES satellites. It will be a primary tool for detecting and tracking hurricanes and severe weather.

About Harris Corporation

Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 125 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has approximately $5 billion of annual revenue and about 14,000 employees — including 6,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications® products, systems, and services. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at harris.com.

Sleighton Meyer
Harris Government Communications Systems
sleighton.meyer@harris.com
321-727-6514

Jim Burke
Harris Corporation
jim.burke@harris.com
321-727-9131