The latest in America’s next generation of high-tech weather satellites is one step closer to launch.
The , weather satellite — built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Littleton — is completely assembled and undergoing critical tests simulating the harsh conditions of launch and the extreme environments of space.
GOES-R will launch in March 2016 to provide a huge boost in the quality, quantity and timeliness of weather data currently provided by the rapidly aging fleet of U.S. weather satellites.
It will help , and will add lead time to thunderstorm and tornado warnings.
GOES-R is the first of four satellites of its kind being built on Lockheed Martin’s Waterton Canyon campus. , is already underway.
It will be followed by GOES-T and GOES-U.
The GOES project carries an initial contract amount of about $1 billion, according to Lockheed Martin.
Additionally, Centennial-based United Launch Alliance was awarded the $446 million launch contract to carry GOES-R and -S to space aboard Atlas V rockets from Cape Canaveral, Fla.
Laura Keeney: 303-954-1337, lkeeney@denverpost.com or twitter.com/LauraKeeney
