GOES R satellite imager built by Exelis. Photo: Exelis

[Via Satellite 02-07-2014] Exelis has delivered the primary payload for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) next Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite R (GOES R) weather satellite. The Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) will provide high-resolution imagery of environmental conditions, and will be integrated into the GOES R for its scheduled 2016 launch. The ABI is the first of four satellite payloads Exelis is building for NOAA.

“Delivery for integration into the satellite is an important milestone because it moves NOAA closer to providing weather forecasters with information and tools to improve the accuracy and lead time of severe storms,” said Eric Webster, vice president of the Exelis Geospatial Systems weather business area.

The ABI is part of the GOES R series program managed by NASA and NOAA. The series of satellites will provide 24-hour-a-day coverage with visible and infrared imagery. GOES R will improve severe weather data in addition to data used for monitoring rainfall precipitation, wildfires and volcanic ash.