What type of satellite is GOES primarily classified as?

GOES, or the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites, are primarily classified as weather satellites because their main purpose is to observe and monitor weather conditions and phenomena in real-time. Positioned in a geostationary orbit, they provide continuous coverage of specific regions of the Earth, allowing meteorologists to track storm systems, assess cloud formations, and analyze temperature patterns. This capability is crucial for forecasting weather, issuing warnings for severe weather events, and monitoring environmental changes.

While GOES satellites indeed gather data that could also be used for Earth observation and environmental monitoring, their primary mission is focused on weather-related activities. This specialization distinguishes them from other types of satellites that might serve broader purposes, such as communications or general environmental sensing.