Nortel Government Solutions will develop, test and deploy enhanced sensor processing systems for the existing GOES satellites. This includes GOES-13, the first of the GOES-N/O/P series. GOES-13 (referred to as GOES-N before reaching orbit) was launched in May 2006. GOES-O and P are scheduled for launch over the next three years.

The most critical enhancements will include support for extended operation of the GOES-10 satellite after repositioning later this year as part of NOAA's Earth Observation Partnership of the Americas. This is expected to help protect lives and property in North, Central and South America by significantly improving satellite detection of severe storms, floods, drought, landslides, volcanic ash clouds, wildfires and other natural hazards.

Continuous operation of GOES-10 in a high inclination mode using a new ground-based motion compensation capability will dramatically improve the quantity and quality of data available to Latin American partners for improving weather forecasts, limiting the impact of natural disasters, and improving energy and water resource management.

"Few people realize the impact the GOES satellites have on our daily lives and how critical they are to disaster preparedness," said Chuck Saffell, CEO, Nortel Government Solutions. "This project will refresh the ground systems technology and help extend the operational lifetime of GOES-10 and other GOES satellites, optimizing availability of information vital to improving weather monitoring and forecasting."

Carr Astronautics, Inc. and Integral Systems, Inc. are under subcontract with Nortel Government Solutions to help deliver the enhanced ground systems for NOAA.

Related Links
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Nortel Government Solutions