The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T) spacecraft separation is targeted to take place at approximately 8:32 p.m. today. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Here is a look at some of the key milestones for today’s GOES-T launch:
Mission Timeline (all times approximate) LAUNCH AND SPACECRAFT DEPLOYMENT Time Events
4:38 p.m. EST Launch target (two-hour window)
4:50:04 p.m. Main Engine Cutoff #1 (MECO1)
5:01:20 p.m. Centaur Main Engine Start #2 (MES2)
5:06:57 p.m. Centaur Main Engine Cutoff #2 (MECO2)
8:06:04 p.m. Centaur Main Engine Start #3 (MES3)
8:07:47 p.m. Centaur Main Engine Cutoff #3 (MECO3)
8:32:32 p.m. GOES-T Spacecraft Separation
GOES-T’s launch from Cape Canaveral’s Space Force Station in Florida is now less than an hour away. Coverage of launch day activities will continue here on the blog. Also, tune in to NASA TV, the NASA app, or the agency’s website, starting at 4 p.m. EST for a live broadcast. Liftoff, from Space Launch Complex 41, is targeted for 4:38 p.m. EST.
NOAA’s GOES-T satellite will help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, fog, hurricanes, flash floods, and other severe weather. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T) satellite is the third satellite in the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) – R Series, the Western Hemisphere’s most sophisticated weather observing and environmental monitoring system.
A part of the GOES-R series, GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit, replacing GOES-17 as GOES West. It will be positioned to watch over the western contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. The satellite will be ideally located to monitor weather systems and hazards that most affect this region of the Western Hemisphere.
Mission objectives include:
Supporting the search-and-rescue satellite aided system (SARSAT)
Contributing to the development of worldwide environmental warning services and enhancements of basic environmental services
Improving the capability for forecasting and providing real-time warning of solar disturbances
Providing data that may be used to extend knowledge and understanding of the atmosphere and its processes
Coming up next on the blog is a list of milestones for today’s launch, targeted for 4:38 p.m. EST from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Launch Complex 41.
The GOES-T spacecraft sits atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 41 in Florida ahead of today’s planned 4:38 p.m. EST launch. Photo credit: NASA
Standing tall atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, GOES-T – a joint effort between NASA and NOAA – is set to lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Launch Complex 41 in just about 90 minutes (4:38 p.m. EST). The Launch is managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program, based at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Stay right here for a live blog that will take you straight through the launch day events. Or, tune in to NASA TV, the NASA app, or the agency’s website, starting at 4 p.m. EST, for a live broadcast.
It has been all good news on the weather front thus far, but we will keep you posted on any updates from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s 45th Weather Squadron prior to launch of the GOES-T mission to help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, fog, hurricanes, flash floods and other severe weather.
Weather conditions remain positive for today’s GOES-T launch, targeted for 4:38 p.m. EST. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Weather officials with Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s 45th Weather Squadron continue to predict an 80% chance of favorable weather conditions for this afternoon’s launch of NOAA’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T) satellite, which is part of the GOES Satellite Network. The cumulus cloud rule and liftoff winds serve as the primary weather concerns.
GOES-T is scheduled to launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket from Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 41 today at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T will help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, fog, hurricanes, flash floods, and other severe weather.
You may follow launch day activities on the NASA blog or by tuning in to NASA TV starting today at 4 p.m.
A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), arrives at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Feb. 28, 2022. Liftoff is scheduled for Tuesday, March 1, at 4:38 p.m. EST. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett
Weather officials with Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s 45th Weather Squadron predict an 80% chance of favorable weather conditions for this afternoon’s launch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T) satellite from Florida’s Space Coast, with the cumulus cloud rule and liftoff winds serving as the primary weather concerns.
A joint effort between NASA and NOAA, GOES-T is scheduled to launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket from Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 41 today at 4:38 p.m. EST. GOES-T will help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, fog, hurricanes, flash floods and other severe weather.
The launch is managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program, based at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
Follow the launch day activities here on the blog or by tuning in to NASA TV starting today at 4 p.m. To learn more about the GOES Satellite Network or to meet members of the GOES-T team, click here.
A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), rolls out from the Vertical Integration Facility to Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Feb. 28, 2022. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
On Monday, Feb. 28, 2022, GOES-T rolled out from United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Vertical Integration Facility Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 41. Secured atop a ULA V 541 rocket, GOES-T is targeted to lift off Tuesday, March 1, at 4:38 p.m. EST. There is a two-hour launch window.
The GOES satellite network helps meteorologists observe and predict local weather events, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, fog, hurricanes, flash floods, and other severe weather. In addition, GOES observations have proven helpful in monitoring dust storms, volcanic eruptions, and forest fires.
“For us, this is really the last big operation other than launch,” said GOES-T Mission Manager Rex Engelhardt. “The end of my job is the beginning of the on-orbit checkout and operations that will go on for years and years. Once we separate the spacecraft into its correct orbit, we’re done. And that’s a good feeling; there is accomplishment there.”
GOES-T is the third satellite in NOAA’s GOES-R series – the Western Hemisphere’s most sophisticated weather observing and environmental monitoring system. The GOES-R series will maintain the two-satellite system, extending the operational lifetime through December 2036.
A crane is attached to NOAA’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T) satellite for its lift into the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Weather officials with Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s 45th Weather Squadron predict a 70% chance of favorable weather conditions for Tuesday afternoon’s launch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T) satellite from Florida’s Space Coast, with the cumulus cloud rule serving as the primary weather concern.
A joint effort between NASA and NOAA, GOES-T is scheduled to launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket from Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 41, at 4:38 p.m. EST tomorrow. GOES-T will help meteorologists observe and predict local weather events, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, fog, hurricanes, flash floods and other severe weather.
The launch is managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program, based at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
A United Launch Alliance technician monitors the progress as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T) is moved into United Launch Alliance’s Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/Kim ShiflettGOES-T Liftoff is targeted for Tuesday, March 1, at 4:38 p.m. EST. There is a two-hour window for the launch. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Following a successful Launch Readiness Review at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T) satellite is cleared to proceed with Tuesday’s launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Liftoff is targeted for 4:38 p.m. EST on Tuesday, March 1, on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Launch Complex 41. There is a two-hour window for the launch, which is being managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program, based at Kennedy.
The current favorable weather forecast for launch day is 60%. The primary concerns are cumulus cloud and surface electric fields.
Tune in to NASA TV today, Feb. 26, at 1 p.m. for a live broadcast of the GOES-T Prelaunch News Conference. Participants include:
Steve Volz, acting assistant secretary of commerce for environmental observation and prediction and assistant administrator for satellite and information services, NOAA
Pam Sullivan, director, GOES-R Program, NOAA
John Gagosian, director, Joint Agency Satellite Division, Science Mission Directorate, NASA
Tim Dunn, launch director, NASA’s Launch Services Program, NASA Kennedy
Scott Messer, program manager, NASA Launch Services, United Launch Alliance
At 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 28, NASA EDGE will host the GOES-T rollout show. The broadcast will air live on NASA TV and YouTube. Coverage of launch day events begins at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 1. Follow along right here on the blog, or tune in to the live show on NASA TV, the NASA app, or the agency’s website.
GOES-T is the third satellite in the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) – R Series, the Western Hemisphere’s most sophisticated weather observing and environmental monitoring system. The GOES-R Series provides advanced imagery and atmospheric measurements, real-time mapping of lightning activity, and space weather monitoring.
After GOES-T launches, it will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit. Following a successful on-orbit checkout of its instruments and systems, NOAA plans to put GOES-T immediately into operational service, replacing GOES-17 as GOES West.
Stay connected with the mission on social media, and let people know you’re following it on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram using the hashtag #GOEST. Also follow online at:
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), enclosed in its payload fairing, is moved into the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Feb. 17, 2022. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
GOES-T was transported from Astrotech’s Space Operations facility in Titusville, Florida, to United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) nearby Vertical Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 41. It was then mated to the top of the Atlas V 541 rocket, which will carry it into space. Liftoff is targeted for March 1, 2022, at 4:38 p.m.
After securing GOES-T atop the Atlas V, technicians conducted final validation of the communication paths through the rocket. The spacecraft and launch vehicle were then tested by successfully powering up both into launch mode to ensure they are compatible as a system.
GOES-T had been located inside the Astrotech facility since its arrival to Florida on Nov. 10, 2021. Numerous activities were conducted there, including lifting and mating the spacecraft to the payload adapter, and encapsulation, where the two halves of the ULA payload fairings were brought together and installed around the satellite to protect it during launch. The fully assembled launch vehicle will roll to the launch pad on Feb. 28.
The third satellite in NOAA’s GOES-R series, GOES-T will be delivered into a geosynchronous transfer orbit, separated from the launch vehicle, and then moved up to a higher geostationary orbit and renamed GOES-18. After being checked out, calibrated, and deemed ready for operations, GOES-18 will replace GOES-17 in the GOES-West position, keeping an eye on the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii and the Pacific Ocean.
The GOES satellite network helps meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, fog, hurricanes, flash floods, and other severe weather. Click here to follow the GOES-T blog. To learn more about the GOES Satellite Network or to meet members of the GOES-T team, click here.
With the first half of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V payload fairing secured around NOAA’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T), the second half is moved into position inside the Astrotech Space Operations facility in Titusville, Florida, on Feb. 7, 2022. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky
By Jim Cawley NASA’s Kennedy Space Center
Now safely encapsulated, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T (GOES-T) satellite has completed another key milestone in preparation for its March 1, 2022, launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
A technician inspects the first half of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V payload fairing for GOES-T. The mission is scheduled to launch March 1, 2022, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky
Inside the Astrotech Space Operations facility in nearby Titusville, the two halves of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V payload fairings were brought together and installed around GOES-T. The payload fairings will secure and protect the satellite during launch.
“Things are getting real now; GOES-T is fully assembled and ready for launch,” said GOES-T Mission Manager Rex Engelhardt. “Next week, we will be holding the final launch reviews and exercising the teams on their launch consoles in preparation for launch day.”
Last month, technicians began integrated operations, which included lifting and mating the spacecraft to the payload adapter – a piece of hardware that interfaces mechanically between the rocket and the spacecraft. On Feb. 17, GOES-T will be transported and mated to the launch vehicle. The fully assembled launch vehicle is targeted to roll to the launch pad on Feb. 28.
The third satellite in NOAA’s GOES-R series, GOES-T will lift off atop the Atlas V 541 rocket from Space Launch Complex 41. The launch is managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program based at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center, America’s multi-user spaceport.
The GOES satellite network helps meteorologists observe and predict local weather events that affect public safety, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, fog, hurricanes, flash floods, and other severe weather. GOES-T will provide critical data for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean.
Click here to follow the GOES-T blog. To learn more about the GOES Satellite Network or to meet members of the GOES-T team, click here.
