WASHINGTON -- NASA, in coordination with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, has selected the contractor for the next series of weather satellites. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company of Denver was selected to build the satellites for NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites, or GOES-R, Program.

Credit: Lockheed Martin

The basic contract is for two spacecraft. Two options each provide for one additional spacecraft. The total estimated value of the basic contract including options is $1.09 billion.

The contractor will design, develop and deliver the GOES-R series of spacecraft and provide pre-launch, launch and post-launch support. The first launch of the GOES-R series is scheduled for 2015. Lockheed will design and develop the spacecraft in its Newtown, Pa., Sunnyvale, Calif., and Denver facilities.

These satellites provide a platform for Earth-viewing, solar-viewing and space-viewing instruments. The data from the instruments are used for weather forecasting and environmental, space and solar science. The new satellites will improve existing weather and environmental monitoring capabilities.

"NASA is excited to be NOAA's partner in this next generation GOES development and we look forward to delivering an outstanding observatory for their operational use," said George Morrow, director of flight projects for NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.

"GOES-R, with its highly advanced instruments and sensors, will provide about 50 times more weather and climate data than is available with NOAA's current fleet of geostationary satellites," said Mary Kicza, assistant administrator for NOAA Satellite and Information Service in Silver Spring, Md. "The American public will see real life-saving benefits from this satellite system with more timely forecasts and warnings for severe weather."

NOAA funds, operates and manages the GOES program. Goddard manages the acquisition of GOES-R spacecraft and instruments for NOAA.