The GeoXO constellation will consist of three satellites aimed at advancing observations in key NOAA areas, including lightning mapping and weather monitoring through visible and infrared imagery. The constellation will also introduce advanced features like atmospheric composition and infrared sounding, along with ocean color observations, which are intended to improve weather forecasts and scientific research outcomes.
The ACX, designed by BAE Systems, is a hyperspectral imager capable of capturing hourly air quality data across a range of ultraviolet to visible light wavelengths. These measurements, due to their high spatial and temporal resolution, are critical for monitoring dynamic air quality changes throughout the day and enhancing air quality predictions.
"The ACX instrument will deliver robust, practical benefits for the science and operational user communities, as well as the public at large," said Dr. Alberto Conti, vice president and general manager of Civil Space for BAE Systems Space and Mission Systems. "Not only will this instrument provide cutting-edge measurements of air quality, but it will also improve weather forecasts, help pilots avoid dangerous situations, warn hospitals of imminent air quality issues, and protect the lasting health and economic stability of our communities."
Moreover, ACX will play a pivotal role in various research domains by accurately tracking emissions and movements of aerosols, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, glyoxal, sulfur dioxide, and ozone. The integration of its hyperspectral capabilities with other GeoXO instruments like the Imager (GXI) and infrared sounder (GXS) will further enrich the quality of weather-related data available to NOAA.
Reflecting on BAE Systems' track record, their prior projects include the creation of similar hyperspectral imagers like South Korea's Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS) and NASA's Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) instruments, which are the only devices of their kind in geostationary orbit. The forthcoming deployment of ACX will contribute to a geostationary satellite network that spans North America, Asia, Europe, and North Africa.
Furthermore, BAE Systems has also been selected to develop the GeoXO Sounder (GXS), which will assess atmospheric moisture, winds, and temperature to boost weather prediction accuracy and aid in severe weather forecasting. The development of multiple instruments for the GeoXO program will enable enhanced collaboration and streamline the development process within BAE Systems.
The operational phase for GeoXO is projected to commence in the early 2030s and extend through 2055.
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