Harris Corporation (HRS), an international communications and information technology company, has delivered five simulators that will help the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) user community to prepare for the advent of a new generation of geostationary weather satellites.
The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite – R Series (GOES-R) will provide continuous imagery and atmospheric measurements of Earth’s Western Hemisphere and space weather monitoring. The advanced spacecraft and instrument technology used on the GOES-R series will result in more timely and accurate weather forecasts by supplying meteorological data with much greater detail and clarity than the current GOES satellites provide. The GOES-R series will be a primary tool for the detection and tracking of hurricanes and severe weather.
To accommodate the anticipated 40-times increase in data to be ingested, processed and distributed, receiving systems operated by satellite weather data users must be replaced or modified to support this high-resolution data — similar to upgrading a TV antenna to receive High Definition video broadcasts at home. The Harris GOES-R Rebroadcast simulators produce a full-resolution stream of science data similar to what will be produced during actual operations of the satellites. This will enable GOES data users, such as the National Hurricane Center, to test receivers well in advance of the launch date to ensure a smooth transition.
“None of the existing receivers will work with this new generation of weather data,” said Romy Olaisen, vice president, Civil Programs, Harris Government Communications Systems. “Harris worked very closely with the customer, and within a challenging schedule, to ensure that the simulators meet the unique needs of the weather community and aids vendors in manufacturing receivers.”
Harris is the prime contractor and systems integrator for the contract to produce the GOES-R Ground Segment, which will process approximately 60 times more data than is possible today, and deliver weather products to the National Weather Service and more than 10,000 other direct users.
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(R) products, systems and services. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at harris.com.
