An Atlas V rocket launched the GOES-T weather satellite to space from Cape Canaveral at 3:38 pm CST today March 1st, 2022. The satellite is currently traveling through space on its way to orbit, which is about a three and a half hour mission after launch.

Following the successful launch by ULA and NASA’s Launch Services Program, the rocket and spacecraft will enter a coast phase before GOES-T separates and reaches geostationary orbit. Currently vehicle performance is nominal and the Centaur still needs to perform a third burn.

GOES-T launching from the pad at Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: Sophie Sanchez/Cosmic Chicago

Once in orbit GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 and begin gathering weather data for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA. NOAA has maintained a geostationary weather observing system since the 70s and the GOES R-Series of satellites are a continuation of that program.

Artist rendition of GOES-T in orbit. Credit: NASA

NASA will continue to deliver coverage of the mission as it proceeds through each phase. You can view live coverage of spacecraft separation at 7pm CST at nasa.gov/live.

Learn more about what was wrong with GOES West and why NASA had to deliver another satellite to orbit here: The Problem with GOES West