NOAA taps Lockheed Martin to provide nextgen lightning mapping instruments.

Lockheed Martin has been awarded a contract by NOAA to develop next-generation lightning mapping instruments, known as GeoXO Lightning Mapper (LMX) instruments. Valued at approximately $297 million, the contract includes options for two additional instruments. The LMX instruments will be deployed on NOAA's upcoming GeoXO weather satellites to provide real-time lightning data for severe weather monitoring, storm analysis, forecasting, and aviation safety. This technology will enhance storm analysis, improve hurricane intensity assessments, detect lightning hazards, aid in identifying wildfires, and assist with aviation safety. [Extracted from the article]