Geostationary satellites rotate with the same speed as Earth while looking directly down at our equator from 22,236 miles above. Since these weather satellites are placed directly above their target areas, geostationary orbits allow quick communication capabilities. New measurements can be taken and sent to Earth about every 30 seconds!
Two of these four weather satellites have already been launched to space. The first one launched in November 2016, became operational in December 2016, and is now referred to as GOES-16. This first satellite focuses on the eastern portions of North and South America, but it also has the entire Atlantic Ocean in view. The second satellite, GOES-17, launched on March 1, 2018 and is currently in its testing stages awaiting full operation on December 10 of this year. GOES-17 will focus on the western portions of North and South America while also including the Pacific Ocean in view.
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