On June 18, 2024, NASA awarded Lockheed Martin a significant contract, acting on behalf of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to develop and build the next generation of U.S. geostationary weather satellites.
The contract, which includes the construction of three Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO) satellites and options for four additional spacecraft, has an estimated value of $2.27 billion if all options are exercised.
The increasing deployment of small satellites for Earth observation boosts geospatial imagery analytics. In 2022, the region had over 140 Earth observation satellites in orbit, providing high-resolution data for commercial and government use. Companies like Planet Labs PBC manage vast satellite datasets and offer access via web-based tools. However, regulatory compliance remains complex and region-specific.
Development such that GeoXO satellites are projected to fuel the growth of the geospatial imagery analytics market. According to BIS Research, the U.S. Geospatial Imagery Analytics Market, valued at $6.04 billion in 2022, is projected to reach $8.38 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 3.19% during 2023-2033.
The new GeoXO satellite constellation is set to succeed the current Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite R (GOES-R) series, also built by Lockheed Martin.
The GOES-R series has been crucial in providing advanced weather monitoring and environmental data. The fourth and final satellite in this series, GOES-U, is scheduled for launch on June 25, 2024, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
In a press release, Kyle Griffin, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Commercial Civil Space, expressed the company's enthusiasm for the project: "Our team is excited and ready to move forward to design and field this critical national capability.
Our GeoXO design draws heavily from what we've learned with GOES-R spacecraft over the last 15 years while incorporating new, digital technologies not only onboard the vehicles but in the design and development of this powerful, weather-monitoring platform of the future."
The GeoXO satellites are designed to offer significant improvements over the GOES-R series. In addition to enhancing visible and infrared imagery and lightning mapping capabilities, the GeoXO satellites will provide nighttime imagery, hyperspectral sounding, and extensive information on ocean and atmospheric conditions.
These advancements are expected to significantly improve weather and air quality forecasts, offering more precise and timely data.
The first GeoXO satellite is slated for launch in the early 2030s, with the entire constellation expected to be operational through the late 2050s. The GeoXO spacecraft will be built on Lockheed Martin's modernized LM2100 satellite bus, which promises enhanced reliability, flexibility, and performance.
The transition to the GeoXO satellites represents a significant step forward in weather monitoring technology. The new satellites will incorporate advanced digital technologies that will enhance the accuracy and resolution of weather data. This will improve weather forecasts and provide critical information for disaster response and climate monitoring.
Developing the GeoXO satellites is part of NOAA's broader strategy to ensure the continuity and enhancement of geostationary weather observations. These satellites are a critical component of the nation's infrastructure for weather monitoring and environmental data collection. Their data will support various applications, from weather forecasting and climate research to public safety and national security.
Interested to know more about the growing technologies in your industry vertical? Get the latest market studies and insights from BIS Research. Connect with us at [email protected] to learn more.
.jpg)
