In a significant advancement for weather monitoring, NASA successfully launched the final satellite of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite series (GOES), known as GOES-U, at 5:26 p.m. EDT on Tuesday. The launch, carried out with a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A in Florida, marks a major milestone in the collaboration between NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
At 10:18 p.m., mission managers confirmed the successful deployment of the spacecraft’s solar arrays, indicating that GOES-U was operating autonomously. This satellite will enhance the nation’s ability to monitor weather and various hazardous environmental conditions throughout the Western Hemisphere.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the importance of such satellites in current times, stating, “As communities globally face the impact of extreme weather, GOES-U will play a crucial role in real-time weather monitoring.” He highlighted the longstanding partnership between NASA and NOAA in bringing critical data to Earth, which aids in preparing for severe weather events, detecting fires, and more, thereby enhancing resilience to the changing climate.
GOES-U is equipped with advanced instruments including the new space weather tool, the Compact Coronograph-1, designed to observe the solar atmosphere by blocking the sun’s bright light. This capability is critical not only for terrestrial weather forecasting but also for predicting space weather that can affect satellite electronics, GPS systems, and radio communications.
Nicky Fox, associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, pointed out the diverse applications of GOES data. “GOES-U will contribute to our global data record, enhancing our ability to track climate changes and provide vital information ahead of severe weather and natural disasters,” said Fox.
Upon reaching its geostationary orbit approximately 22,200 miles above Earth, the satellite will be renamed GOES-19. After the completion of an orbital checkout of its instruments and systems, it will commence operation, monitoring weather over North America, including the contiguous United States, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and even as far as the west coast of Africa.
John Gagosian, director of NASA’s Joint Agency Satellite Division, remarked on the critical nature of the data provided by GOES-U. “With this successful launch, forecasters are better equipped to inform and educate the public, ultimately enhancing the safety of people across the Western Hemisphere,” he noted.
The GOES-R Series Program is managed jointly by NOAA and NASA. The series satellites, including GOES-U, are designed and built by Lockheed Martin, with L3Harris Technologies providing the main instruments and ground system support. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center oversees the acquisition of the spacecraft and instruments, including the magnetometer built for GOES-U and its predecessor, GOES-T.–News Desk