[Satellite Today 12-02-08] NASA, in coordination with the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has selected Lockheed Martin Space Systems to build the satellites for NOAA’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) program, NOAA announced Dec. 2.
    Lockheed Martin will design, develop and deliver the GOES-R series of spacecraft and provide pre-launch, launch and post-launch support. The basic contract agreement is for two satellites with options for two additional spacecraft. The total estimated value of the contract, including options is $1.1 billion.
    The first launch of the GOES-R series is scheduled for 2015. Data from the NOAA satellites will be used for weather forecasting and environmental, space and solar science.