Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite

Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) are optimized for long-term observation and pattern/signature recognition of phenomena in Earth's atmosphere and on Earth. Their geosynchronous orbits allow them to scan the same field of view for long periods of time.

One obvious trigger event is detecting severe storms and forest fires. In addition, they help in rainfall and snow cover estimation, which can predict floods and winter storms. They track the movement of sea and lake ice.

They also have a critical role in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, carrying some of the transponders of the multi-satellite COSPAS-SARSAT system that receives and relays signals from emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRB). These satellites also broadcast a precision time reference that may be available when a GPS signal is not.