Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites—R Series

A collaborative NOAA & NASA program

Ground System: Facilities and Antennas

The ground system operates from the following locations:

NOAA Satellite Operations Facility (NSOF)

Located in Suitland, Maryland, NSOF houses the majority of GOES-R Series mission operations. The enterprise management, product generation, and product distribution functions are performed here. The majority of operations and product staff are also housed at NSOF. Four existing 9.1-meter antennas were upgraded for compatibility with GOES-R satellites. These antennas maintain compatibility with existing GOES satellites and will operate continuously for the life of the GOES-R Series.

Wallops Command and Data Acquisition Station (WCDAS)

WCDAS GOES-R antenna construction site

Located in Wallops, Virginia, the WCDAS is the primary site for space-to-ground radio frequency (RF) communications. Level 1b data is processed at WCDAS to produce GOES Rebroadcast (GRB) for satellite uplink. WCDAS also provides uplink to the satellites to support the Unique Payload Services (UPS). Three new 16.4-meter antennas were constructed at WCDAS. They are designed to withstand sustained winds of 110 mph (Category 2 hurricane) and to survive (in a stowed position) gusts of up to 150 mph (Category 4 hurricane). These antennas are compatible with existing GOES satellites and will operate continuously for the life of the GOES-R Series.

Consolidated Backup (CBU) Facility

image: Remote Backup Facility, Fairmont, VA (RBU)

GOES-R antenna sites at CBU

Located in Fairmont, West Virginia, the primary function of the CBU is to support contingency operations and perform all of the critical functions of NSOF and WCDAS through the production and distribution of life and property products. The CBU provides product generation for all key performance parameters. The CBU also serves as a backup during system/equipment testing or maintenance. Three new 16.4-meter antennas were constructed at the CBU. They are designed to withstand sustained winds of 110 mph (Category 2 hurricane) and survive (in a stowed position) gusts of up to 150 mph (Category 4 hurricane). These antennas are compatible with existing GOES satellites and will operate continuously for the life of the GOES-R Series.