Lockheed Martin Has Lightning Moves

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company has been selected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and NASA to design and develop a new instrument on the nexgen of weather sats… this instrument is to detect patterns in lightning flashes so forecasters can have an early indicator of severe thunderstorms and tornados. The contract is for US$96.7m, including options.



The instrument is called the Geostationary Lightning Mapper. It will monitor all lightning flashes that occur anytime and anywhere in the Western Hemisphere, including the United States. The instrument will be a member in NOAA’s nexgen geostationary satellite series known as GOES-R. The first such satellite is scheduled to launch in December of 2014. In case you didn’t know, lightning is the second highest storm-related killer in he U.S. and causes US$4 to US$5B in losses each year in the civilian sector. Of that amount, about US$2B is within airline operating expenses and passenger delays. Lockheed Martin will work on this project at its Palo Alto facility and will also provide post-delivery support for the system.