GOES-R, the first in a series of NASA-built advanced geostationary
weather satellites, is seen here during an optics test held on August 31, 2016,
inside the Astrotech payload processing facility
in Titusville, Florida. The satellite is scheduled to launch aboard a United
Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket on November 16.
Credits: NASA/Ben Smegelsky
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The first spacecraft in a new series of NASA-built advanced geostationary weather satellites is set to launch into orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket Wednesday, Nov. 16. The two-hour launch window opens at 4:42 p.m. EST. Liftoff will occur from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
News briefings, live launch commentary, photo opportunities and
other media events will be held at nearby NASA Kennedy Space Center, and
carried live on NASA Television and the agency’s website.
Once in geostationary orbit, GOES-R will be known as GOES-16 and
will provide images of weather patterns and severe storms as regularly as every
five minutes or as frequently as every 30 seconds. These images can be used to
aid in weather forecasts, severe weather outlooks, watches and warnings,
lightning conditions, maritime forecasts and aviation forecasts. It also will
assist in longer term forecasting, such as in seasonal predictions and drought
outlooks. In addition, space weather conditions will be monitored constantly,
including the effects of solar flares to provide advance notice of potential
communication and navigation disruptions. It also will assist researchers in
understanding the interactions between land, oceans, the atmosphere and
climate.
NASA TV Events Schedule
For all media briefings, reporters may ask questions by calling
the Kennedy newsroom at 321-867-2468 no later than 15 minutes before briefings
begin. Media also can ask questions via Twitter by using the hashtag #askNASA.
All times are Eastern.
Monday, Nov. 14
1 p.m. – Prelaunch news conference at Kennedy’s Press Site
Briefing participants are:
·
Stephen Volz, assistant
administrator for satellite and information services, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
·
Sandra Smalley,
director, Joint Agency Satellite Division, NASA Headquarters
·
Omar Baez, launch
director, NASA Kennedy
·
Scott Messer, program
manager, NASA Missions, United Launch Alliance
·
Greg Mandt, GOES-R
system program director, NOAA
·
Clay Flinn, launch
weather officer, 45th Weather Squadron, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
2 p.m. – GOES-R Mission Briefing
Briefing participants include:
·
Steven Goodman, GOES-R
program scientist, NOAA
·
Laura Furgione, deputy
director, National Weather Service
·
Sandra Cauffman, deputy
director, Earth Science Division, NASA Headquarters
Tuesday, Nov. 15
1 p.m. – GOES-R NASA Social presentations
Wednesday, Nov. 16
3 p.m. – Prelaunch program by NASA EDGE
4 p.m. -- Launch coverage and commentary begins
Live coverage will also be available via social media at:
Live countdown coverage through NASA's Launch Blog begins at 2:15
p.m. p.m. Nov. 16. Coverage features live updates as countdown milestones
occur, as well as video clips highlighting launch preparations and liftoff. For
NASA’s Launch Blog, visit:
To view the webcast or to learn more about the GOES-R mission,
visit: