GOES-18, which launched March 1 as GOES-R, is continuing operational testing ahead of becoming the United States' newest weather satellite. Part of those tests, is the transmission of its initial test imagery.

Our guest this week on the Carolina Weather Group is Dr. Dan Lindsey, the Chief Scientist for NOAA's GOES-R Program. Lindsey explains the ongoing testing, where the satellite is now, and what remains before the satellite can begin monitoring the weather for the West Coast of the United States.

GOES-18 will assist GOES-17 with GOES West operations in late summer 2022 and again in early fall. NOAA plans for GOES-18 to replace GOES-17 as GOES West in early 2023. 

GOES-16, which launched in 2016 as GOES-R, provides weather data for the United States East Coast, including both North Carolina and South Carolina.

GOES-U will be the fourth and final spacecraft in the GOES-R Series of geostationary weather satellites operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The GOES-R Series is a joint effort between NASA and NOAA and includes GOES-R, GOES-S, GOES-T, and GOES-U.

Imagery from GOES-18 during the post-launch testing phase should be considered preliminary and non-operational.

More information:

https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/news/earth-orbit-noaa-debuts-first-imagery-goes-18

https://www.goes-r.gov/

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The Carolina Weather Group operates a weekly talk show of the same name. Broadcasting each week from the Carolinas, the show is dedicated to covering weather, science, technology, and more with newsmakers from the field of atmospheric science. With co-hosts across both North Carolina and South Carolina, the show may closely feature both NC weather and SC weather, but the topics are universally enjoyable for any weather fan. Join us as we talk about weather, environment, the atmosphere, space travel, and all the technology that makes it possible.