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GOES-P is the latest
in a series of Earth monitoring satellites. Geostationary Operational
Environmental Satellites (GOES) provide the kind of continuous
monitoring necessary for intensive data analysis. Geostationary
describes an orbit in which a satellite is always in the same position
with respect to the rotating Earth. This allows GOES to hover
continuously over one position on the Earth's surface, appearing
stationary. As a result, GOES provide a constant vigil for the
atmospheric "triggers" for severe weather conditions such as
tornadoes, flash floods, hail storms, and hurricanes.
The multimission GOES series N-P is the next series of satellites.
This series will be a vital contributor to weather, solar and space
operations, and science. NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) are actively engaged in a cooperative program to
expand the existing GOES system with the launch of the GOES N-P
satellites. (more...)
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