Rocketdyne announced October 29 that it has received a contract from Lockheed Martin to provide in-space propulsion for NOAA’s next generation of geostationary weather satellites.
The company will supply systems for the Geostationary Extended Observations program, known as GeoXO. Each spacecraft will carry 28 thrusters, including monopropellant and electric propulsion systems, according to Rocketdyne.
Those systems are intended to let operators control and maneuver the satellites after they reach space. The announcement concerns spacecraft propulsion, rather than the instruments that gather weather observations.
GeoXO continues NOAA’s series of geostationary satellite programs monitoring severe storms, clouds and other atmospheric and environmental conditions for the National Weather Service.
Rocketdyne described the award as extending its existing work in satellite propulsion. Chief Executive Kristin Houston said the company has delivered more than 22,000 thrusters across weather, exploration and other programs.
The release did not disclose the contract’s value, delivery schedule or how many satellite propulsion packages the award covers. It also does not announce a satellite launch or confirm that the new hardware has been delivered.
Sources: Rocketdyne — October 29 Contract Announcement: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/10/29/3391380/0/en/rocketdyne-wins-contract-to-support-noaa-s-next-generation-weather-satellites-with-propulsion-systems.html