NASA shows off first imagery from Fort Wayne-built technology

By Jonathan Shelley | WPTA

Technology built by Harris Corp. in Fort Wayne is behind the first visuals from NASA's newest weather satellite.

The "GOES-17" satellite is positioned to observe lightning across the Western Hemisphere, monitoring storm development, intensification and movement.

It uses Harris' Advanced Baseline Imager -- or "ABI" -- to capture the imagery.

“The ABI’s increased capabilities will help save lives and provide new insight and better forecasts for severe weather, fog, volcanic ash and many other environmental issues,” Harris Environmental Solutions vice president and general manager Eric Webster said in a statement earlier this year.

A video loop released on Monday shows storms moving eastward over the central United States. The event took place on May 9.

WATCH: GOES-17 video shows lightning intensifying over central U.S.

GOES-17 will eventually be positioned to provide coverage over the Pacific Ocean and western United States. Government officials and meteorologists say the new tool will served an essential role in keeping people safe.