Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO)

New Horizons in Satellite Technology

In 2032, NOAA plans to launch its next-generation geostationary satellite series Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO). GeoXO is a collaborative program between NOAA and NASA.

Currently, NOAA relies on GOES-R Series satellites, which will remain operational through 2036. GeoXO is a revolutionary new satellite system that will continue and expand on the observations provided by the GOES-R Series.

Ocean Color Instrument

One of the most significant new features of GeoXO is its groundbreaking Ocean Color Instrument (OCX). This  instrument is attached to the GeoXO satellite and collects data on ocean biology, chemistry, and ecology. The Ocean Color Instrument will allow us to more effectively assess:

• Ocean productivity
• Changes to ocean biology and ecosystem dynamics
• Coastal and inland water quality and clarity
• Oil spills and marine hazards
• Seafood safety
• Harmful algal blooms
• Chlorophyll concentrations

The instrument captures data at least every 2 hours from its orbit. It will provide us with more frequent and comprehensive views of ocean and coastal conditions than currently possible. More timely data will give scientists the most accurate picture possible of real-time conditions so they can manage fisheries and marine resources even more effectively. See how it works.

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Using GeoXO for Marine Resource Management

Key features of the GeoXO Ocean Color Instrument will make it an effective tool for marine resource management.

Long-term Source of Data

GeoXO will orbit the earth from 2032 to 2055, providing NOAA Fisheries with a sustained source of data for more than 20 years. These long-term capabilities will help NOAA achieve its climate-ready fisheries goals by improving assessments of ecosystem shifts under changing climate and ocean conditions.

More Detailed Images

The Ocean Color Instrument will extend NOAA’s ability to provide ecosystem monitoring and advice to additional coastal communities. The telescope on the satellite will zoom in close enough to provide more routine, environmental monitoring of coastlines and estuaries. Regions like this are critical for NOAA to keep tabs on, as they represent 68 percent of the U.S. commercial fish catch and 80 percent of the recreational catch. Using satellites to monitor these areas for water quality can save state and local agencies up to $316 million per year in sampling expenses.

More Frequent Data Collection

From the perspective of space, clouds are completely opaque. This presents a big problem for satellite oceanographers because we can’t see the ocean underneath. Current satellites pass over the Earth once per day, and the majority of data over the ocean is discarded because the data is contaminated with clouds. 

GeoXO will obtain observations every 2 hours, and as clouds pass by we can fill in the gaps to double, or even triple, the amount of ocean we see everyday. More frequent updates with better spectral and spatial information all work together to help detect and track hazardous conditions for living marine resources, such as harmful algae, oil spills, and pollution. 

Super Satellite Vision

The Ocean Color Instrument is a specialized “hyperspectral” instrument; it can measure optical details of the ocean very precisely. Capturing these fine details will enable new insights into phytoplankton community composition, which forms the basis of the entire marine food web. 

Documenting the shift of plankton in the ocean helps NOAA predict impacts on fishery production. It can also determine if a phytoplankton bloom is likely to be toxic. A single harmful algae event can cause more than $2 billion in damages, lead to mass marine life mortality, delay fishing seasons, and close shellfish farms.