Rocketdyne has won a Lockheed Martin contract to supply propulsion equipment for NOAA’s Geostationary Extended Observations satellites. The October 29, 2026, announcement specifies 28 thrusters for each GeoXO spacecraft.
The propulsion package combines monopropellant thrusters and electric-propulsion systems. Operators will use the equipment to control and maneuver the satellites.
Monopropellant propulsion produces thrust from a single stored propellant, typically through catalytic decomposition. Electric propulsion uses electrical energy to accelerate propellant. These approaches provide different thrust characteristics within the spacecraft’s propulsion architecture.
GeoXO will monitor severe storms, clouds, and other meteorological and environmental conditions from geostationary orbit. Spacecraft in this orbit circle Earth at the same rate that Earth rotates, allowing them to observe a consistent geographic region.
The propulsion award assigns Rocketdyne a hardware role in maintaining the spacecraft’s controlled operation. Its thrusters will support maneuvers needed throughout the satellites’ service lives.
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