Derrick Henry
L3Harris Technologies has completed the preliminary design review of a high-resolution imager for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Geostationary Extended Observations, or GeoXO, satellite system.
When it becomes operational, GeoXO will deliver real-time imagery, enhancing NOAA’s capability to monitor weather, ocean and environmental conditions in the Western Hemisphere, L3Harris said Thursday. The critical data will help the U.S. government and its industry partners keep communities safe amid emerging environmental issues.
Advanced Weather Sensor Tech
The next-generation imager will support operations to generate more accurate and actionable information to better protect citizens, communities and industries from severe storms, according to Rob Mitrevski, vice president and general manager of spectral systems at L3Harris. “L3Harris’ next-generation geostationary imager for NOAA’s GeoXO architecture includes significant capability enhancements that build on our legacy of industry-leading mission solutions for our nation’s most critical weather monitoring and forecasting needs,” he noted.
The GeoXO imager is designed to measure visible and infrared wavelengths to boost the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasting. It features two new spectral bands and enhanced spatial resolution to ensure increased precision for space-based storm monitoring, short-term weather predictions and wildfire tracking.
L3Harris developed the advanced weather sensor technology after securing a $765.5 million contract in March 2023 to deliver an infrared imaging system for a collaborative Earth observation project by NOAA and NASA called the GeoXO mission, which is scheduled to commence operations in the early 2030s.
