The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has chosen BAE Systems to construct the Ocean Color Instrument (OCX) for the Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO) satellite constellation. Following the selection, BAE Systems has been given the go-ahead to construct the mission’s three hyperspectral instruments: The Atmospheric Composition Instrument (ACX), the GeoXO Sounder (GXS), and OCX. Across the OCX, GXS, and ACX programs, BAE Systems is delivering value for the country by utilizing modular designs and its vast experience managing several instrument programs. `
The U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), a vast expanse of 4 million square feet of ocean that stretches around 200 miles offshore from American coastal regions, will be observed in high spatial resolution by the hyperspectral imager known as the OCX equipment, created by BAE Systems. The equipment will produce the most extensive data ever gathered on the water quality, ocean biology and chemistry, ecosystem changes, and other aspects of the region’s lakes and oceans by imaging their habitats across a spectrum of ultraviolet to near-infrared light. Moreover, OCX will take comprehensive surveys every two hours, which will decrease problems like cloud cover and enable scientists to track rapidly changing conditions. This is in addition to providing more observations than earlier instruments.
Dr. Alberto Conti, vice president and general manager of Civil Space at BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems, stated, “OCX offers exciting new capabilities that will provide NOAA and other end users with novel insights into the dynamics of our aquatic ecosystems, allowing us to better monitor endangered species, track oil spills and harmful algal blooms, and protect key economic drivers like reef systems and fisheries. “This choice reaffirms our dedication to supporting scientific initiatives that directly support environmental sustainability and public health protection. With the help of the GeoXO equipment, decision-makers will have access to priceless information that will help them formulate wise policies and take proactive steps to address urgent global issues. BAE Systems is proud of its key part in this mission.”
GXS and ACX instrumentation are being built by BAE Systems for the mission. GXS will supply real-time information on temperature, winds, and atmospheric moisture distribution vertically to enhance short-term severe weather forecasts and weather prediction models. In order to enhance air quality forecasts and describe the amount and flow of emissions such as aerosol particles, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, glyoxal, sulphur dioxide, and ozone, ACX will measure the quality of the air every hour during the day.
