GOES U now GOES-19

GOES-19: Behind the Scenes of a New Weather Satellite

The GOES-19 satellite’s launch marked the beginning of an exciting journey to become the new GOES-East satellite. But its path to operation involves a meticulous series of steps.

Orbital Maneuvers

In the coming days, satellite operators will meticulously guide GOES-19 through several maneuvers. This intricate choreography will nudge the satellite into its initial checkout position at 89.5 degrees west longitude, strategically positioned between the operational GOES-East and GOES-West satellites.

Instrument Deployment and Testing

Geostationary transfer orbit: After liftoff, the launch vehicle makes its way to space following a path shown by the yellow line. At the target destination, the rocket releases the payload which sets it off on an elliptical orbit, following the blue line which sends the payload farther away from Earth. The point farthest away from the Earth on the blue elliptical orbit is called the apogee and the point closest is called the perigee. When the payload reaches the apogee at the geostationary altitude of 22,236 miles, it fires its engines in such a way that it enters onto the circular geostationary orbit and stays there, shown by the red line in the diagram. The geostationary transfer orbit is the blue path from the yellow orbit to the red orbit. [Credit: The European Space Agency]

GOES-19 Transition Plan

Once in its initial position, GOES-19 will deploy its magnetometer boom, a crucial instrument for space weather monitoring. Then comes a comprehensive checkout phase, where engineers will meticulously examine each of the satellite’s instruments and systems, ensuring they are operating flawlessly.

First Images and Handover

By September, NOAA anticipates receiving the first images captured by GOES-19. These initial images will be a major milestone, signifying the satellite’s ability to collect valuable weather data. After the post-launch checkout is complete, NASA will hand over the reins to NOAA.

Taking Over GOES-East

NOAA will meticulously validate GOES-19’s data products, ensuring its accuracy and reliability. They will then carefully maneuver the satellite to its permanent operational position at 75.2 degrees west longitude.GOES-19 is expected to assume the role of the GOES-East satellite in April 2025, succeeding GOES-16.

GOES-16 will then transition to a standby role, ready to step in if needed.This intricate process ensures GOES-19 is fully equipped to deliver the vital weather data we rely on for accurate weather forecasts and environmental monitoring for years to come.

GOES-19: Behind the Scenes of a New Weather Satellite

Orbital Maneuvers

Instrument Deployment and Testing

First Images and Handover

Taking Over GOES-East

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