The GAO recently published its report, Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites: Improvements Needed in Continuity Planning and Involvement of Key Users (GAO-10-799, September 2010)
From the report: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has made progress on the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R (GOES-R) series acquisition, but key instruments have experienced challenges and important milestones have been delayed. Even though there may be a gap in backup coverage, NOAA has not established adequate continuity plans for its geostationary satellites. While NOAA has identified GOES data users and involved internal users in developing and prioritizing the GOES-R requirements, it has not adequately involved other federal users that rely on GOES data.
Read the highlights, full report and recommendations.