Science

Photos: NASA prepares weather observation satellite for launch

GOES-O is poised for liftoff at Space Launch Complex 37 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

CNET Reviews staff

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CNET Reviews staff

June 26, 2009 5:40 p.m. PT

1 of 8 NASA/Jack Pfaller

On the launch pad

NASA is preparing to launch the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-O, or GOES-O, weather monitoring satellite. The spacecraft, which is the most recent model in the series of weather information gathering satellites designed by NASA, will use its array of sensors and instruments to provide more technologically advanced information to NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and the images that are typically seen on United States television newscasts.

The launch of the Delta IV rocket carrying the satellite had been scheduled for Friday, but was scrubbed at the last minute due to weather conditions at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

The GOES-O is now scheduled to go on Saturday between 6:14 p.m. and 7:14 p.m. EDT.

2 of 8 NASA/Kim Shiflett

On Launch Complex 37

With the mobile service tower removed from Launch Complex 37, the Boeing Delta IV rocket stands on the launchpad as final preparations are made for the launch of the GOES-O satellite.

3 of 8 NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

Astrotech payload processing facility

Here, on April 7 at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., the first half of the payload fairing is moved around the GOES-O satellite. The aerodynamically smooth nose cone will protect the spacecraft during launch.

This version of the weather monitoring equipment developed by NASA will provide almost continuous imaging and sounding, which allows forecasters to better measure changes in atmospheric temperature and moisture distributions, increasing the accuracy of their forecasts and giving a more detailed picture of the subtle changes in minute-by-minute weather conditions.

4 of 8 NOAA OSEI, CIMSS and NOAA NESDIS ORA, NOAA SEC, CIMSS and NESDIS/ORA/ARAD/ASPT

Weather monitoring

Here we see an image of the West Coast of the United States from a previous version of the satellite, GOES-10, showing wildfires burning in Carson City, Nev.

5 of 8 NASA/Jim Grossmann

Technicians inspect the GOES-O satellite

On March 19, technicians inspect the GOES-O satellite. Once the spacecraft reaches orbit, NASA will transfer control of the satellite to NOAA, at which time it will be designated GOES-14.

6 of 8 NASA/Troy Cryder

Checking the alignment

Technicians examine the alignment of the GOES-O satellite and prepare to load the oxidizer and hydrazine propellants.

7 of 8 NASA/Kim Shiflett

The GOES-O satellite is on the move

The GOES-O satellite is on the move, on its way to Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral, where it will be moved to the United Launch Alliance Delta IV expendable launch vehicle.

8 of 8 NASA/Jack Pfaller

Launch Day

Sunrise on the intended launch day, June 26. The launch was scrubbed in the afternoon due to weather conditions, and has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 27.